'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Has Been Released and Wins Critical Acclaim

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The highly anticipated post-apocalyptic horror film, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," has officially been released in January 13, 2026.

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film is the fourth installment overall and the second in a new trilogy that began with "28 Years Later" (2025).

With a staggered global release date, including in the UK on January 13 and 14, and in the United States on January 16, "The Bone Temple" is poised to make new history in the horror genre.

The film brings back talented actors such as Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson and Jack O'Connell as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, along with Alfie Williams as Spike.

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" not only continues the narrative of its predecessor but also deepens its exploration of complex themes surrounding humanity, violence, and existence in a shattered world.

Since its release, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" has received overwhelming critical acclaim, even setting a new franchise record with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics praised Nia DaCosta's "unnerving" and "fearless gusto" direction, as well as the "inspired" performances from the leads.

The film has been described as a "grislier" and "nihilistic" entry than previous films, yet also "fun" and "bolder," offering a fresh perspective on this long-awaited horror saga.

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" is set directly after the events of "28 Years Later" (2025), continuing the story in a world still struggling with the consequences of the Rage virus epidemic.

One storyline centers on Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a former general practitioner who now dedicates himself to remembering the victims of the epidemic.

Kelson lives in seclusion in a bunker beneath a bone monument he built as a memorial to humanity's fallen.

He is obsessed with understanding the Rage virus and forms a unique bond with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), an infected Alpha, hoping to spark communication from him.

Their relationship is described with "slippery lyricism" that is "quietly big-hearted and slyly comical."

Meanwhile, the second storyline introduces Spike (Alfie Williams), a teenager on a personal journey to the mainland.

His journey turns into a nightmare after encountering Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell), the psychopathic leader of the "Jimmys" cult.

This cult, inspired by Jimmy Savile, is depicted as a Satanic group that worships "Old Nick" (Satan) and commits atrocities, forcing Spike to fight for his life and become a member of their group.

The central focus of "The Bone Temple" is a profound exploration of human violence and the nature of evil amidst destruction.

The "Jimmys" cult, led by Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, represents a more terrifying threat than the infected.

They wear tracksuits, gold chains, and inverted crosses, and commit brutal acts in the name of "Old Nick."The film vividly demonstrates that in the world of "28 Years Later," the greatest threat to survival is no longer the infected, but the inhumanity of the survivors.

The narrative of "The Bone Temple" explores themes such as human violence versus humanity, faith and reason in a shattered world, and moral responsibility.

The film highlights how, amidst chaos, small moments of kindness and empathy become crucial.The interactions between Dr. Kelson and Samson, as well as Spike's relationship with Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman) of the "Jimmys" cult, lend a powerful emotional dimension to the film.

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" has impressed critics, debuting with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 70 to 84 reviews, setting a new franchise record.

Nia DaCosta received widespread praise for her "unnerving" and "fearless" direction, successfully making the film entirely its own.

The performances of Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson and Jack O'Connell as Jimmy Crystal were also highly praised, described as "inspired performances" and "phenomenal."

Critics noted that the film had a "grislier" and "nihilistic" tone than previous entries, but it was also considered "funnier" and "less ponderous" than "28 Years Later" (2025), making it "simpler, but also bolder and bloodier."

Many reviews noted that the film successfully built upon Spike's saga without repeating its predecessors and promised an exciting next chapter, cementing its position as a "winner for the franchise" and "best chapter yet."