28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review — Ralph Fiennes Reinvents Zombie Horror

Synopsis: As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world. | 1h 49m | Rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, graphic nudity, language throughout, and brief drug use

Though not a must, it would be good to rewatch last years 28 Years Later if you have the time. The fact that we are a bit less than 12-months removed, many will remember the characters and plot line. But if you need a refresher it is never a bad idea.

In 28 Years Later we met Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and got a glimpse of his bone temple. There is no surprise that this movie focuses mainly on him and his home. If removed what would be left is just a copy and paste zombie story we have seen too many times. The con is that this feels like a side story or a one-off plot line that works as a bridge between the last film and the next.

The franchise started in 2003 with 28 Days Later then followed up with 28 Weeks Later in 2007. We then had an almost twenty year gap to last year’s 28 Years Later. The infested that plagued the last three films are not utilized in this one much at all. In fact, to call this a zombie film is a stretch. It is more a psycho thriller that just happens to be set in a post zombie landscape. What is left of humanity is far scarier.

Enter The Jimmys. A satanic cult group led by the enigmatic Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). His followers he refers to as “fingers” have all taken his name and love to do his bidding. Mainly killing other humans in the name of Old Nick. Spoiler alert. Old Nick is satan. This film is just as much about them as it is Kelson and the bone temple. It all escalates to a final showdown that brings both of these parties head to head.

Director Nia DaCosta does give us some terrifying jump scares to let us know that the zombies are actually out there. They come out of nowhere and I am not sure if they would be as scary on a smaller non theater sound setting. They are fast and loud and then over. If you are there just for those moments you are out of luck. Lucky are the ones who gravitate to the survival aspect of these films and the evolution of human kind. For that subtle nuance this one ranks on top.

Not having Director Danny Boyle at the helm certainly gives this one a different tone. We could spend time discussing the approach of a male to female directing styles but why bother. Needless to say, this being a one-off story it is probably best it has a different perspective.

Another returning face, and other body parts, is the Alpha infected Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) – as Kelson named him – who still leads the pack of brain eaters. Kelson has a calling to help find out what makes Sampson rage. Through drugs and sedation they begin to form a bond that is oddly touching, even if completely unheard of in the genre.

To balance out the psychology of that relationship we get the savage Jimmys who are on a killing spree across the country. Thinking they are doing the will of Satan’s self appointed son Jimmy Crystal, nothing is too grotesque or brutal for this band of baddies. Within that horde are some personal struggles and the members no do all see eye to eye. This discord is a catalyst to the progression of the story.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a hard R and like the films before it, very adult and intense. The squeamish should be ready for a lot of looking away and a check of the gag reflex.

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Matt Mungle

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