28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is nothing if not a good time. A short 7 months after the first film in the trilogy was released, we had a rare January release that is actually enjoyable. It’s unlike any other film we’ve seen in the series, but offers a deeper insight on humanity and morality. Fans of horror and/or the 28 Later series will enjoy the journey Nia DaCosta takes us on.
The film picks up right where the first one ends. We meet the Jimmys, a cult of satanists (lead by Jack O’Connell of SINNERS fame). The group has recruited our protagonist, young Spike (Alfie Williams) to be their newest “Jimmy”. The group goes around spreading the word of Old Nick and delivering “Charity” to those they deem fit. Plot B features Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson as he makes extraordinary discovers on the effects the infection has on the psyche. Both plot lines are equally interesting and leave you invested as we switch back and forth.
The best part of the film is Ralph Fiennes performance- this film showcases how overdue he is for his Oscar win. With a scene in act 3 that is so iconic and defines what it means to be electric, his work here will go down in cinematic history. On par with him is Jack O’Connell who is oh so good at playing a villain. He is funny, and at times even more terrifying than the infected. The “Jimmy” attire will become an iconic look and I hope it’s prevalent this Halloween season.
The script moves on from “true horror” to more of a think piece about humanity. It’s an advocate for therapy and medication, and while some of the scenes might come off as silly I found them to be a really adept metaphor. It doesn’t quite focus on the narrative of Spike anymore (which the first film did a brilliant job with, as it touched on themes of toxic masculinity and legacy), but I think the new plot lines are just as interesting. We barely see the infected in this film and we, the humans, take over in the place of the antagonists. Human brutality (as seen in the work of the Jimmys) can be just as corrupt and deranged as a zombie infection. But on the same side human connection (what we see with Kelson and Samson) can share the same impact as a medical cure. The things that make us human is a blessing and a curse, and it’s important to stay true to the aspects that separate us from the monsters. What is worse, dancing with the devil you know or braving the unknown? Is fear strong enough to keep us trapped that we will worship it, even though we crave an escape? Many enlightening questions DaCosta poses over the films runtime.
If you are looking for a tried and true “zombie infection movie”, you might be a little disappointed. But if you take a chance on the unique view DaCosta provides, you may be delightfully surprised at the range of emotions this film holds. For the love of god, please go support it in theaters so we can get part 3!
28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is now playing in theaters.
