The latest entry in the zombie genre, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” has hit theaters, presenting a refreshing take on a familiar trope: the idea that human beings can often be more terrifying than the zombies themselves. This film, much like its predecessors in the 28 Days Later saga, manages to extract new insights from the well-trodden themes of societal collapse and survival.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, The Bone Temple continues the tradition of innovation seen in the series. The original film, directed by Danny Boyle in 2002, introduced audiences to “the infected,” a new breed of fast-moving zombies that changed the landscape of horror films. Now, nearly two decades later, this sequel revisits a quarantined Britain that has been isolated from the rest of the world due to a viral outbreak, while exploring the psyche of its fractured society.
At the heart of the narrative is Spike, a courageous young man played by Alfie Williams, who becomes embroiled with a group of eccentric and menacing teenagers known as the “Jimmys.” Led by the character Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Jack O’Connell, the gang embodies a twisted combination of innocence and brutality. They engage in bizarre rituals and embody a warped parody of childhood, drawing inspiration from the British celebrity Jimmy Savile—whose dark legacy adds a layer of unsettling irony to the film.
The film presents a duality through its characters. While the teenage Jimmys epitomize the grim realities of survival in a lawless world, Dr. Ian Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, represents hope and compassion. Kelson’s initiative to create a memorial using the bones of the epidemic’s victims highlights an aspiration to remember and honor the past amidst the chaos. He seeks to heal those affected, including a mega-infected named Samson, suggesting a glimmer of humanity even in the bleakest circumstances.
Unlike earlier films in the series, The Bone Temple emphasizes introspection and moral dilemmas, wrapped in moments of dark humor. Though the film features intense scenes, the balance struck between the horror of the Jimmys’ antics and the humanity displayed by characters like Kelson brings depth to the story. It challenges viewers to ponder the evolution of belief and morality when society crumbles.
Nia DaCosta’s direction, while less dynamic than Boyle’s, suits the film’s contemplative tone. The narrative builds to a climactic moment that promises to resonate with audiences, affirming that while the theme of inhumane behavior persists, so too does the capacity for compassion and resilience in the face of devastation. In an era when tales of humanity’s worst tendencies often dominate the screen, The Bone Temple offers a profound exploration of what it truly means to be human amidst horror.