Review: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Official synopsis: As Spike (Alfie Williams) is inducted into Jimmy Crystal's (Jack O'Connell) gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) makes a discovery that could alter the world.

We are very lucky to be blessed with The Bone Temple so soon after the great 28 Years Later came out last year. This time, it's Nia DaCosta in the director's chair, and she fits perfectly into the world that Danny Boyle and Alex Garland has crafted. She perfectly blends the film's superior budget while still throwing in some shots that feel very reminiscent of 28 Days Later, the film that started it all.  While the first part of Years caught me off guard with how emotional I felt watching it, Bone Temple caught me off guard with laughs. Which is kind of insane considering how dark this film gets.

Ralph Fiennes' Dr. Kelson takes center stage this film and his interactions with his Alpha Sampson are one of the strongest parts of the film. They provide a lot of humor all while really giving us something to think about regarding the rage virus. It's a stark contrast to the other story, which is Spike trying to survive Jimmy's sadistic gang. They are truly evil people and you'll spend your time wishing you could jump through the screen to save Spike. Alfie Williams gives us yet another vulnerable performance as this poor kid. 

Then you have Fiennes and O'Connell who are both doing the absolute most. O'Connell does well as this evil charismatic cult leader and Fiennes shines as Dr. Kelson, who goes even harder than he did in the last film. It's my favorite performance and I wanted more of it. 

They really need to get a start on part three. Not just because Williams is eventually going to start growing more noticeably but because they ended on a great segue for fans of the series. If I have one suggestion for those going out to see this, it's to re-watch 28 Years Later right before. 

Grade: B