A Wild Ride: Review of ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ – A Unique Zombie Experience

Zombie films often lack one key ingredient: dancing. Thankfully, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" changes that, featuring some quirky moves set to the iconic sounds of Duran Duran.

This latest installment in the franchise is a wild mix of dark humor and gruesome action, brilliantly subverting the genre while leading it into uncharted territory.

Directed by Nia DaCosta and based on Alex Garland's script, the film picks up right after the events of 2025's "28 Years Later." Newcomers might want to catch up with the last film but can jump right in without needing to revisit the original.

Garland's writing is sharp, laced with clever jabs at Britain's National Health Service and nostalgic references to "Teletubbies." The film sets up a dramatic clash between good and evil within a picturesque countryside backdrop.

Alfie Williams’ character Spike finds himself rescued from zombies—referred to here as the infected—by Sir Jimmy Crystal, a former orphan turned sadistic cult leader, played menacingly by Jack O’Connell.

Sir Jimmy leads a group of young, violent followers, giving off strong vibes reminiscent of "A Clockwork Orange." In stark contrast, we have Dr. Ian Kelson, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is on a quest to discover a cure for the virus.

Kelson, a compassionate scientist, creates memorials from the bones of the deceased. His character, despite the dark setting, embodies hope and humanity, believing that everyone deserves compassion.

In a surprising twist, Kelson connects with an infected Alpha, leading to a bizarre dance sequence with Duran Duran's music blaring in the background—a rare and delightful sight in a zombie film.

The soundtrack features an eclectic mix of tunes, including Radiohead and a frenetic rendition of Iron Maiden’s "The Number of the Beast," giving the film a punky, anarchic feel.

As the battle unfolds, viewers are left questioning the core themes of humanity, trauma, and survival in a world overrun by chaos. The upcoming fifth installment hints at a potential resolution in this nightmarish saga.

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" is a thrilling, genre-defying experience that combines humor, horror, and unexpected moments of levity. With a runtime of 109 minutes, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre, earning three and a half stars out of four.