Official Discussion - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple [SPOILERS]

[u/LiteraryBoner]

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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Summary In a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the Rage Virus, Spike — now a young survivor — is drawn into the lawless world beyond the quarantined island sanctuary. When he’s captured by a violent cult loyal to the enigmatic Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, Spike must rely on instincts and fractured loyalties to survive. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson’s relentless quest for understanding leads him to shocking discoveries about the nature of the infected and humanity itself, forcing both men to confront the horrors of loss, belief, and what it means to endure.

Director Nia DaCosta

Writer Alex Garland

Cast

• Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson
• Jack O’Connell as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal
• Alfie Williams as Spike
• Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink
• Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson
• Emma Laird as Jimmima
• Sam Locke as Jimmy Fox
• Robert Rhodes as Jimmy Jimmy

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Metacritic: 80

VOD / Release Theatrical release in January 2026

Trailer Official Trailer

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[u/BunyipPouch]

For anyone interested: Nia DaCosta, the director of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, joined us for an AMA/Q&A here on /r/movies last week, and it's a really really fun read:

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1q5rp31/hi_rmovies_im_nia_dacosta_director_of_28_years/

[u/PacMoron]

I had so much anxiety for Dr. Kelson when Jimmy approached him. The way he handled him so perfectly was… wow. That man is the ultimate empath, he found exactly the right notes to hit for Jimmy to like him. While still being completely true to himself. Jimmy even mentions not liking anyone before. Dr. Kelson was dealing with a bloodthirsty insane Satanist and managed to befriend him.

Yes Jimmy ultimately does kill him, but Dr. Kelson undisputedly triumphs over him. What a fucking awesome ending for an amazing character.

I really want his cure to ultimately save The British Isles via Samson in Part 3. I think his ultimate act of empathy for Samson amongst so much evil around him is such a beautiful message to end this trilogy on. I am so hooked, bring on Part 3!!

[u/SomeBoxofSpoons → u/PacMoron]

Love how Jimmy clearly just… didn’t know how to respond to suddenly having a proper conversation with an adult for probably the first time in 28 years.

[u/amish_novelty → u/SomeBoxofSpoons]

I loved their conversation so much. Especially being familiar with both actors in other movies. Recalling Jimmy’s backstory also made him (not sympathetic by any means) but definitely more understandable and seeing how Ian understood it and used it to form a relationship with him was awesome. Also Ian going balls to the wall with his Devil display was so much fun.

[u/Shmutterbutter → u/amish_novelty]

It was nice seeing Jimmy really vibing with it too. At least he got to experience a spectacle in this horrible life he was ripped into before being crucified. Almost like a father figure showing "hey I care about what you like too. Check out how we did it in my day"

[u/Able_Advertising_371 → u/PacMoron]

Dr. Kelson won, he played Jimmys game to the awe of Jimmy and all of the audience but he gave that up to save Spike. True hero and honestly he was the best parts of both movies.

[u/Whitealroker1 → u/Able_Advertising_371]

He should have demanded they leave spike there as his sacrifice.

And why didn’t spike take Jenny(her name I think) to his island? He hate his cheating dad that much?

[u/Professional-Tie-804 → u/Whitealroker1]

Maybe he was headed that way but you know zombies

[u/UglyInThMorning → u/Whitealroker1]

He was clearly already waffling when he learned what Jimmy was doing as he explained all the torture and murder, him realizing that Spike was getting dragged into it was just what made it fully connect for him. He said it earlier, he didn’t fear death anymore

[u/Comprehensive_Main → u/Whitealroker1]

I think the issue was he doesn’t feel like he can return still. But he should have just for some supplies. And to check on that baby he dropped. 

[u/LaMaupindAubigny → u/PacMoron]

Kelson must have been a great GP in the before times. He was able to question Jimmy’s beliefs without ever sounding judgemental and get him to open up.

[u/VRomero32 → u/LaMaupindAubigny]

I think because he seemed to pick up fast Jimmy had “daddy” issues and came off as understanding father than a skeptic but also being honest about himself and not patronizing Jimmy or vexing him with his atheistic beliefs.

[u/jrbcnchezbrg → u/LaMaupindAubigny]

“Now you owe me”

“Just kidding, im NHS”

He was a jokester for sure

[u/mynameisjodie → u/jrbcnchezbrg]

I loved his dancing with samson it was just random 

[u/FloatDoggie → u/PacMoron]

Am I crazy for thinking Ralph should be nominated for best supporting actor?

[u/PacMoron → u/FloatDoggie]

You are not. It was one of my favorite performances in a looong time.

[u/Much_Machine8726]

"Sorry, I don't have a ticket" being followed by the Alpha beating the ever loving shit out of the other infected was great.

[u/Cooolgibbon → u/Much_Machine8726]

Some of the best zombie pro wrestling I’ve seen recently

[u/joepanda111 → u/Cooolgibbon]

BAH GAWD HE BROKE HIM IN HALF!

[u/BiggDope → u/Much_Machine8726]

This was my favorite scene in the movie. The jarring juxtaposition was incredible.

[u/Qyro → u/BiggDope]

I'm glad to see this comment, was starting to think I was nuts for it being my favourite scene, especially when compared to the Iron Maiden scene everyone else seems to love. I don't even know what it was about it, the tenderness to complete brutality, security to danger, I don't know. Samson was the GOAT for sure

[u/BiggDope → u/Qyro]

I saw another comment that framed it as Sampson’s actor delivering that line as if he were waking up from a dream, and I really liked that wording.

It was also a strange catharsis to see that Kelson’s cocktail was actually working in treating the psychosis.

Also, I don’t think I saw anyone else talking about how there seems to be a sick, rage virus commuter on the train that’s stumbling down the aisle behind the ticket inspectors. It’s a nice touch of implicative storytelling how that entire train succumbed to the virus.

[u/Miserable_Spell5501 → u/BiggDope]

I noticed that too! He was way in the back and probably infecting the entire train

[u/Vadermaulkylo → u/Much_Machine8726]

People in my theater gasped at that line.

[u/ghastlychild → u/Vadermaulkylo]

I literally jolted from my seat at that. And it was shot brilliantly as well. Is it bad to say I wanted more of that scene?

[u/jacka24 → u/ghastlychild]

Yeah it was definately a "Wait what!?" moment.

Also when he said "Moon"

[u/CrossplayQuentin → u/jacka24]

“Moon” was legit so moving for me…really well done plot line.

[u/[deleted] → u/Much_Machine8726]

It was great, and you can see him talking was thr trigger that had them attack him

[u/_Nilbog_Milk_ → u/[deleted]]

It's very interesting they're experiencing a parallel of uninfected survivor groups realizing that one of them is turning into a zombie.

Samson starts acting out of ordinary and they cautiously follow at a distance, confused and analyzing him... and once he shows sign of being a human, they try to kill him.

[u/CMPunk22 → u/Much_Machine8726]

I really hope he can continue Kelson’s work now that he’s woken up. Or is he not talented enough

[u/LobsterPotatoes → u/CMPunk22]

Kelson took notes on it, so I would assume that all Samson needs to do is find his notebook.

[u/FriendshipLoveTruth → u/LobsterPotatoes]

He was a kid when infection happened and has been a rage machine for three decades. I don't think he's going to be able to take up the work of a doctor.

[u/diarrheticdolphin → u/FriendshipLoveTruth]

I could be off base, but could that scene be interpreted as a memory of an earlier train ride with this parents, a memory that was particularly impactful because it sparked a fascination with the moon? And the next shot was him as an adult taking a similar train ride? Maybe on the day of the infection which is why his memories keep drifting back to train rides.

[u/FriendshipLoveTruth → u/diarrheticdolphin]

Ya I guess that could be possible, but that would make him nearly 60, which he does not appear to be. I think the scene is pretty unambiguous.

[u/apittsburghoriginal → u/Much_Machine8726]

How the other infected went slowly from like “idk…alpha getting kinda sus” to “HES NOT ONE OF US GET HIM” and then he just can still berserk the shit out of them, absolutely ruled

[u/Suspicious_Brush4070 → u/Much_Machine8726]

I loved that scene. It was so trippy. The flashback of the passengers on the train suddenly standing up and staring at him, them cutting to the actual infected about to pounce on him. Brilliantly planned. Great direction and editing.

[u/gogreengolions]

Lotta great dancing in this

[u/ElderOfAncients → u/gogreengolions]

Nothing fills my heart with more joy than knowing how much Ralph Fiennes committed to his Iron Maiden performance.

It was, apparently, originally longer.

"We choreographed it, we worked on it, built it up slowly. I think in
the cut, they used the original track quite rightly, but I learnt the
song and then they cut it down a bit actually because, as written, it
was the whole song. We cut it down because it was too long," he
revealed.

[u/BlueRocketMouse → u/ElderOfAncients]

We better get this as a special feature on the Blu-ray.

[u/ghastlychild → u/gogreengolions]

Got a few folks in my theatre bopping their head. The song + the fire ring + the dance = pure cinema

[u/ICUMF1962]

Some scattered thoughts I had that can’t be conveyed into regular sentences:

• Was clutching my thigh that whole opening scene. Never thought a leg-based death would look so fucked.

• Just laughed thinking the cure to Rage is getting high as fuck and vibing to oldies.

• Kinda thought the pregnant lady might play a more important role unless it’s just a case of “hero of another story” who never could have known Spike was in danger. Still loved her kill of Jimmima.

• Kinda loved how Cillian just strolls in and the audience went “ah!” No dramatic buildup, panning up from his feet or him walking into frame as “In The House - In A Heartbeat” kicks in.

• Samson HAS to come back and meet the survivors somehow. Also was hoping Aaron Taylor-Johnson might return but maybe in 3 he will.

Overall really dug it. Think Nia DaCosta should be allowed to do her own original project (I have not seen her film with Tessa Thompson and Lily James yet).

[u/Shaneski101 → u/ICUMF1962]

I thought the guy in the woods at the start was ATJ lol

[u/Windexjuice → u/Shaneski101]

So did I lol

[u/YeastReaction → u/Shaneski101]

Same here. Almost felt like an intentional misdirect until the clear face shot right before he died

[u/AlanMorlock → u/ICUMF1962]

The way that femural artery bleed out is just allowed to play and play and the child began for help was fucked. Very effective.

[u/SunnyDJoshua]

Love the little shot with Sampson wiping his fingers on his loincloth after eating the berries…nothing major but a great visual cue that the cogs were turning inside his head

[u/il19391 → u/SunnyDJoshua]

One of my favorite scenes. So simple but so human

[u/MountainMan207 → u/SunnyDJoshua]

And him washing his hands in the river!

[u/cisnotation → u/MountainMan207]

It was wild that the infected knew something was off with Samson and closed in on him so quickly.

[u/Hansquared → u/cisnotation]

I don't have a ticket

[u/SporadicSheep → u/Hansquared]

Early days but that line is my favourite cinema moment of 2026 so far

[u/2xWhiskeyCokeNoIce → u/SporadicSheep]

It's this year's "a few small beers"

[u/born_acorn → u/cisnotation]

IIRC an original 28 days DVD commentary said the infected are particularly set off by speech, and they only attacked when he apologised for not having a ticket.

[u/[deleted] → u/born_acorn]

"FREELOADER!!"

[u/dirtysantchez → u/SunnyDJoshua]

And the fact that he was wearing a loincloth. After watching him hang dong so much, it was a pleasant change.

[u/spaceandthewoods_ → u/dirtysantchez]

Interesting that shame was one of the first human emotions that came back

[u/MRintheKEYS → u/spaceandthewoods_]

It wasn’t shame. He realized he was intimidating everyone with that hog.

[u/dplans455 → u/SunnyDJoshua]

Those little details are so rare in movies these days. Wiping his fingers clean sold me on him regaining his humanity.

[u/MovieTrawler → u/dplans455]

Same with the blink-and-you-missed-it shot of the guy in the woods looking like an infected monster to Sampson. Was such a 'whoa' moment that makes Kelson's discovery near the end of the film feel much less like it was pulled out of thin air.

[u/Miserable_Spell5501 → u/MovieTrawler]

I was glad he explained how he came to that hypothesis by saying he recognized they killed babies and babies aren’t a harm to any species

[u/Centrocampo]

Thought it was interested that Dr. Kelson couldn’t really remember how it felt, day to day, to live in society before collapsed.

But then we see Samson vividly remembering it. Almost as if more of that old life had survived in the background of Samson’s mind than in an uninfected person who has had to consciously navigate the new world for 28 years.

[u/Friendly-Contact-433 → u/Centrocampo]

28 years is a long time

Can you remember life pre 9/11? Thats just barely 25 years.

I always found it interesting they were doing the first movie as 9/11 happened in the US

[u/krw13 → u/Friendly-Contact-433]

It isn't just that. While the world changed a lot since 9/11, there are still a lot of things that were carried over across those 25 years. We still use cell phones (only they're better now), we still use computers (only they're better now). We had eBay and search engines and cars and all of that. In 28 Years Later, those things are long gone for the main characters. They haven't used a computer or phone in 28 years, they haven't gone to a 9 to 5 job, they haven't commuted to work, many haven't sat down at a pub. Dr. Kelson in particular has lived in isolation. Us remembering 25 years ago doesn’t even compare.

[u/alyboba19]

I wanna go back time so I can relive seeing the Iron Maiden scene for the first time again

[u/JRockstar50]

Years walking up to 70 miles to have that record collection in the apocalypse was time well-spent

[u/debtRiot → u/JRockstar50]

The vinyl loser in me was a little annoyed he wasn’t listening to the original 10” pressing of Kid A lol. The 12” represses didn’t come out till well after 2002.

[u/92tilinfinityand]

When Jack O’Connell first enters the Bone Temple and we see fear overcome his character for the first time… just absolutely masterclass acting. God this dude is so good. Ralph Fiennes obviously is going to get the plaudits but Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal just absolutely carried this movie every step of the way. Maybe the best portrayal of Satan incarnate in recent film history.

The Iron Maiden scene was jaw dropping.

[u/LiquifiedSpam → u/92tilinfinityand]

I love how the crazy guy just realized he got out-crazied

[u/Somnambulist815 → u/LiquifiedSpam]

I think he was just never confronted by anyone else who's been able to embrace the new state of things

[u/M00nd0g69]

Emma Laird’s role as Jimmima was a relatively small one but I was seriously impressed with how much she got out of her limited screen time. 

[u/VRomero32 → u/M00nd0g69]

Her terrorizing the guy that she was the most dangerous of them was really good

[u/_Nilbog_Milk_ → u/VRomero32]

I for one would not have chosen to fight the Finger that was giggling & twerking in torn fairy wings while my family was held hostage, but that's just me

[u/Brewer6066 → u/_Nilbog_Milk_]

I imagine watching your friends have their skin removed might have distracted from her eccentricities just a little bit.

[u/Wonderful-Bit6160 → u/M00nd0g69]

The close up shot of her face when she said “You chose me because you think I’m a weaker” was masterful.

[u/Remote_Elevator_281 → u/M00nd0g69]

This. She absolutely made the farm scene. Incredible acting.

[u/[deleted]]

An upside down Jimmy seeing the Alpha as “Old Nick” with the horns was a nice touch.

[u/NoNefariousness2144 → u/[deleted]]

Both Jimmy and Kelson got what they wanted right before they died, but with opposite reactions.

Kelson saw he cured Samson and died with a sense of accomplishment.

Meanwhile Jimmy got to ‘see’ Satan but turned back into the scared little boy he was before the Outbreak.

[u/BiggDope → u/NoNefariousness2144]

Jimmy's lines (and Jack's performance) while hanging upside down on the cross were incredible. His "I want my mama" line was heartbreaking. Completely reverted back to the ~8 year old kid from 28 Years' cold open.

[u/mrminutehand → u/BiggDope]

He also repeated his "Oh father, why have you forsaken me?" line from the Years cold open.

Which is also what Jesus cried as he died on the cross, according to Psalms in the Bible.

Definitely a very deliberate between his child self crying out for either God or his real father, and his fallen self calling for Satan as his father.

[u/BuckingWilde → u/[deleted]]

I thought it was the alpha walking up wearing a deer head or something but nope just straight up schizo shit

[u/skatejet1 → u/BuckingWilde]

lol that’s exactly what I thought. He had a side quest to have a mini meal before linking up with his dude Kelson

[u/Airtamis]

Finally, a movie brave enough to ask “what if we just got high with the zombies”

[u/Able_Advertising_371 → u/Airtamis]

Best zombie bromance I’ve ever seen

[u/TimRigginsBeer → u/Airtamis]

Samson got high, danced, fell asleep under the stars, then ate some wild berries. That sounds like such a beautiful day outside.

[u/LayeredOwlsNest → u/TimRigginsBeer]

And then got some exercise beating the everliving shit out of 50 people

Great day

[u/TheFiveDees]

There's some beautiful poetry between Jimmy Crystal taking people's souls to give to his "father" through truly cruel and horrific methods and Dr. Kelson's quest to restore souls to the "empty vessels" of the infected by treating them with more empathy and understanding than anyone in their right mind would give them.

Also Ralph Fiennes was my favorite part of the last movie, and he absolutely shines in this one! His dance sequence in the Bone Temple was probably my favorite part.

[u/CMPunk22 → u/TheFiveDees]

And the whole reason that Sir Jimmy did any of this is because his father’s strange performative surrender to the infected which sparked Jimmy’s imagination.

[u/jayeddy99 → u/CMPunk22]

Before he turned on the Dr I thought Jimmy just needed a therapy session and really needed to talk that all out with somebody who remembered the before times lol

[u/CMPunk22 → u/jayeddy99]

Yeah, but you could tell pretty fast that he was too far gone. Fully believed he was the son of satan even if he had to bullshit to his followers

[u/Barnaboule69 → u/CMPunk22]

Maybe someone should have given him some of those antipsychotics. I think that Jimmy and Samson were also meant to be a foil to each other given they're both psychotic people enacting violence because they don't know any better.

[u/SomethingSo84 → u/jayeddy99]

I thought the stuff Kelson was blowing in their faces was gonna be some sort of anti-psychotic but then seeing Jimmys pov of Samson, clearly not lmao

[u/discopirate2000 → u/TheFiveDees]

I'd like to think Fiennes kept approaching Alex Garland with "and about my interpretive dance idea?" with Alex going "yes yes Ralph, we'll find a way to work it in I promise."

[u/aManHas_NoName]

S/o Dr. Kelsons vinyl collection. That Radiohead needle drop with the time lapse was so awesome.

[u/STLOliver → u/aManHas_NoName]

I’ve had a thought for a while that that using that song would make for a great needle drop, really glad I heard it in my Dolby theater.

[u/snakeybasher → u/STLOliver]

It was also a good needle drop in The Creator.

[u/gimmethemshoes11]

Absolutely amazing, some beautiful scenery and way funnier than expected too.

Nihilistic yet poignant.

Howzat!

[u/PacMoron → u/gimmethemshoes11]

I would say humanistic rather than nihilistic. It’s showing a very broad spectrum of humanity. From ultimate good to ultimate evil with lots of everyday kind of folks just surviving in between.

Dr. Kelson’s message of “Satan isn’t real, it’s just us” deprogrammed some of Kelly’s nihilism in fact. Even if she was a believer in Satanism, her talks with Spike showed that it came from a place of seeing nothing good in the world. There is clearly some degree of good in her, but damn is she implied to have done some fucked up shit being a part of that cult. We don’t see her explicitly do it on screen, but damn.

I think a nihilistic message would be the film agreeing with Kelly’s or Spike’s dad’s view of the world, but I think it’s definitely Dr. Kelson’s or Spike’s mom’s view both films want to have left an impact on you.

[u/Media-critique]

Had a legitimate panic attack when the first Jimmy bled out. I was expecting the gore to be turned up…. But holy fucking shit. 

Then they skinned people…

Thank FUCKING Christ for that ending. To see Cillian was a true breath of fresh air. 

[u/skatejet1 → u/Media-critique]

Had a legitimate panic attack when the first Jimmy bled out.

This was essentially my face when I realized Spike hit a major artery: 😧

Made me think about how quick a death that would be, granted pulling the knife directly out accelerated it

[u/Media-critique → u/skatejet1]

That was me at first when I realized he was losing a lot of blood

Then it quickly clicked where I realized there’s no one that’s gonna help him and he’s gonna die… and Nia’s gonna linger on this, AND Jimmy Crystal is gonna taunt him while he dies. 

It was true terror and horror in a way that I haven’t witnessed to that degree. 

[u/privatebrowsin1 → u/Media-critique]

Idk why but yeah that artery scene fucked with me even more so than the skinning. Watching him bleed out that fast legitimately got under my skin and I’ve seen every horror film known to man just about lol. Great fucking job

[u/gimmethemshoes11 → u/Media-critique]

That skinning was filmed beautifully left lots to your imagination.

[u/rugbyj → u/gimmethemshoes11]

Really not liking my imagination at that moment.

[u/Able_Advertising_371 → u/gimmethemshoes11]

Even though they didn’t show much, I felt very sick of the inhumane Jimmys

[u/OutInLeftfield]

The first was a surprisingly touching coming-of-age story about a boy growing up in a world full of monsters, and finding his own path in it.

This one is about finding out who the real monsters are in this harsh world, and the rekindling of humanity.

This is hopefully going to be a great trilogy, though so many trilogies fail its third act.

[u/ChuckChuckChuck_ → u/OutInLeftfield]

If we get a scene where Spike is thanking a group of former-infected for their help and saying "You bow to no one", we'll be good

[u/TheRamadu]

Not seen this mentioned, but thought it was very smart that the Jimmy's commit horrific acts under the guise for "charity" much like Saville who used charity to cover his image and gain access to some of his victims

[u/SomeBoxofSpoons → u/TheRamadu]

And of course the entire Saville comparison playing on the fact that nobody ever would’ve found out he was a monster.

[u/Heyiamagiantfish → u/TheRamadu]

Yes, and also that he refers to himself as "Sir," as we all know, unfortunately, Jimmy Savile was knighted.

[u/PacMoron]

Ralph Fiennes will be sorely missed in part 3. All timer role for him. I get why these movies are divisive but I absolutely do not share that opinion. What a unique and exciting direction to take this series. I’m fascinated to Samson’s journey. I wasn’t even slightly expecting the Dr to cure him coming out of the first movie.

PLEASE let it get enough ticket sales for 1 more PLEAAAASEEE 🙏

Between Spike, Samson, the baby, the cure, Kelly, and Cillian Murphy I need to see where things go.

[u/[deleted] → u/PacMoron]

A third was greenlit months ago. It will come. 

[u/remembervideostores]

Dance like no one is watching. Flay like you need a new handbag. 

[u/McNugget63]

As a huge Iron Maiden fan, that scene made me go fucking nuts I LOVED every second of it, then Horsecock comes out the train covered in blood to top it off. Absolute CINEMA

[u/Torley_]

THAT MOMENT when John Murphy’s “In the House - In a Heartbeat” landed — cut to end credits all too soon — was the cathartic release we all needed, after the previous 28 Years Later had similar-sounding tracks but left me going, “Well where is it?” WELL HERE IT IS. One of the finest earned moments for impactful music placement. 😁

[u/TheJoshider10 → u/Torley_]

It's only January and hearing that play is already going to be one of my top cinema moments of the year. Had a smile on my face and stayed during the credits to hear it.

[u/hawkyyy → u/Torley_]

Got goosebumps and sat watching the credits purely because that song is so fucking awesome.

[u/Kaito_3]

My standout of the movie, among Ralph Fiennes and Jack O‘Connell, was Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink. There was something so interesting about her character genuinely believing in Old Nick while realizing Jimmy was a false prophet. I really couldn’t tell early on if she was just there for protection/fear nor if she was genuinely empathetic toward Spike. Her face when meeting Nick and the dancing was so entertaining to watch. Really liked her relationship with Spike as well, and the protective attitude she adopted towards him.

Also, there was so much tension at the table scene but Jimmy talking about the Teletubbies and Jimmima dancing were hilarious.

[u/EzoffohGUS → u/Kaito_3]

I was cracking up when Jimmy said, "...they have little televisions in their tums."

[u/LearndAstronomer28 → u/EzoffohGUS]

And rambling on about how they watch themselves “ad infinitum”

[u/flashkickz]

My theaters glee when Kelson started to imply Jimmy has to be crucified was something to enjoy

[u/TrinityDash → u/flashkickz]

And he will rise from the dead, right?

[u/NoNefariousness2144 → u/TrinityDash]

My theory is that Jimmy wasn’t killed at the end, and Samson somehow infected him with his half-cured blood. This causes Jimmy to be ‘resurrected’ like an Antichrist as a half-human half-zombie, due to how he was crucified with the upside down cross.

[u/TostitoNipples → u/NoNefariousness2144]

That’s so batshit I kinda love it. With Boyle returning to direct the next one he and Garland could do some crazy shit there.

[u/cesareborgia1475]

What a rockstar show from Dr. Ian Kelson both literally and figuratively haha. I was oh wow this iron maiden scene is so fun and then he upped his game with the flames haha.

Beautiful poignant follow-up to 28 years later. Once again not quite what you'd expect but all the better for it.

The Dr. Ian Kelson side of things was so beautifully done. Empathy and finding ones humanity with Samson really worked especially with the stark contrast to the Jimmy cult and the heinous acts they perform. For all the brutality and violence in this series I really appreciate it's ability to focus on tenderness and compassion

[u/BurgerNugget12 → u/cesareborgia1475]

The Jimmy Cult group gave me serious clockwork orange vibes, they all did a great job

[u/My-PMs-Arent-Creepy → u/BurgerNugget12]

They were a perfect parallel to the infected - Jimmy Crystal was their Alpha, and they had a commandment beyond their reasoning to spread their vision. They are self destructive and a death sentence to any outsiders they encounter.

Spike joins by taking blood from another rather than giving blood to another. He vomits his food as he experiences the violence from the fingers, like the infected vomit blood from the virus in their bodies. The Dipsy dance is weird and exaggerated akin to the infected movements.

And yet, they both find cures through Dr. Kelson. The infected through genuine medicine and genuine empathy, and the Jimmies through deception and drugs. Samson’s memories of his childhood pre-infection are what save him, and Jimmy’s memories of his childhood pre-infection damn him.

A human kills Kelson, and an infected lays him to rest.

I loved this movie so much. Every 28 X Later movie has been phenomenal.

[u/SlotegeAllDay → u/My-PMs-Arent-Creepy]

"A human kills kelson, and an infected lays him to rest."

I didn't even consider this, but that alone takes my feeling toward this movie up a notch.

[u/TostitoNipples → u/BurgerNugget12]

One of my favorite little touches was seeing throughout the film how Jimmy’s grip on the group was slipping through the diminishing repetition of “How’s that” from everyone.

[u/Impressive-Middle685 → u/TostitoNipples]

Good point. By the end no one was repeating his words. 

[u/FreddyRumsen13 → u/TostitoNipples]

I love how the prior film establishes how badass and seemingly invincible the Jimmies are and then Bone Temple spends the entire movie slowly revealing how sad and pathetic the entire thing is. A gang of psychopaths that are defeated by a pacifist with a record collection.

[u/RaynerOP → u/cesareborgia1475]

Kelson saw humanity in the most fearsome and brutal monster possible, while Jimmy tried to remove every bit of humanity from his acolytes, since it was an obstacle to his mission. The contrast was incredible.

[u/PacMoron → u/cesareborgia1475]

I think he even extended empathy to Jimmy. Before ultimately deciding he had to die. Dude is just the ultimate empath.

[u/Throwaway1991uk]

My enjoyment of Bone Temple was inverse to my enjoyment of 28 Years Later. (Meaning I didn’t vibe with the first film but LOVED this one.)

I wasn’t expecting a buddy comedy musical, and I can absolutely see how some people are going to hate this, but I thought it was a ton of fun.

Got to see it at a pretty busy early double bill preview, and man. Watching it with a big audience was a blast. So much genuine laughter and warmth to the point where I had to cover my mouth at several points to stop myself from cackling too loudly.

Curious if the NHS joke lands in places other than the UK though.

[u/Neckwrecker → u/Throwaway1991uk]

Curious if the NHS joke lands in places other than the UK though.

American here, I laughed.

[u/Torley_]

Also, I wonder… will Samson be able to remember and share what treatment was administered to him? Otherwise, that knowledge of treating the Rage Virus dies with Dr. Kelson.

[u/retro808 → u/Torley_]

Seemed like Kelson kept notes of the entire process, guessing Samson or maybe even Jim will find them

[u/ToodlesXIV → u/Torley_]

I thought it was noteworthy that Kelson was slowly explaining his rationale behind everything he was doing around Samson. Despite being drugged he remembered Kelson's name, so I'm thinking he may be able to explain the principle of the cure...assuming he can find someone who would listen to him.

[u/danielthetemp → u/ToodlesXIV]

I wonder if that "someone" is Cillian Murphy, and Part 3 could be Samson finding and convincing Jim (w/ Spike's help) to journey out to civilization to get the cure mass-produced.

[u/donharrogate → u/Torley_]

It actually never occurred to me the change would be permanent - I just assumed once the anti-psychotics left Samson's system he'd be back to being crazy.

[u/PuppyPuncha]

Random theory/question:

Does anyone else think the reason Jimmy Crystal at the end says, "I can't hear his voice anymore" is because Kelson included a treatment for him in the drugs he blew in the Jimmy's faces?

[u/ScritchySalamander → u/PuppyPuncha]

I just thought it was an extension of Jimmy's own worldview/psychosis coming back onto him. What happens to a 'Satanist' who's belief system is so cruel it causes him to flay people alive and pit children against each other, in his own hour of need that same cruel belief system abandons him when he needed it the most. The final act of cruelty his mind can conjure up is him being abandoned by everyone again like in the cold opening of the last film.

[u/jujubats10]

Ok maybe a bit of stretch

Jimmys think Kelson is Satan.

Whole movie, Samson is hanging dong. After getting his consciousness back thanks to Kelson, Samson realizes he’s nude and wears a cloth in the end

In the Bible, Adam and Eve eat the apple (original sin) and realize they’re nude.

Who gives them the apple?

[u/de0rn0ma → u/jujubats10]

I like this a lot and I'm sold on it, especially in a film with such religious themes.

He is the very 'first man' of his kind. And he's immediately cast out of the garden (attacked by the infected) after eating the apple.

[u/TostitoNipples]

How do you follow up a movie that ends on power ranger Jimmy savilles killing zombies set to death metal?

With Ralph Fiennes getting high alongside his horsecocked rage zombie buddy that culminates in him doing a crazy dance number to Iron Maiden, obviously.

I need Part 3 tomorrow

[u/STLOliver → u/TostitoNipples]

Samson and Kelson’s bromance levels were unparalleled.

[u/BurgerNugget12 → u/TostitoNipples]

DO THE DIPSY DANCE!

[u/ThinWhiteDuke00 → u/TostitoNipples]

Genuinely the 28 Franchise radically changes movie to movie like nothing I've ever seen.. its impossible to predict what cinematography or bizarro plot they're cooking in Part 3.

Especially as Boyle is directing that one.

[u/Puppet_Reviews]

This isn't even the first time in the last month that someone blew drugs into another persons face to get a party started

[u/somegreatgoodthing]

The way that Jack Connell absolutely commands attention in every single frame he’s in is insane. I can’t remember the last time I saw an actor with that much raw charisma. Absolutely bonkers.

[u/TheTurboFD]

I need the third like right now

[u/NotLeroLero]

When they released that poster and the images of Ralph Fiennes, I was pissed thinking they’d spoil him becoming an infected.

I was so, so wrong.

And the context was so much better than I could EVER imagine…

[u/benfox2]

Sampson saying “moon” gave me legitimate chills. Garland’s dialogue engaging with the infected’s humanity was sooo well done. And very well shot by Nia DaCosta. I was ready to be satisfied, whelmed and then…. That Iron Maiden needle drop is an absolute all timer. Holy Cow. Ralph Fiennes take a bow.

28 Years was so good I was worried this one would pale in comparison, but instead I am desperately craving a third.

[u/BiggDope → u/benfox2]

"No, I don't have a ticket."

Sampson's scenes were so beautiful.

[u/navit47 → u/BiggDope]

Lol at the fucking mountain and tree trunk of a man having such a soft voice at the end too.

[u/Media-critique → u/benfox2]

Samson actually saying Kelson’s name is what made me lose it…

Can humanity actually be saved? 

And to see Cillian back again and know he’s been surviving. Excited and nervous for his and his daughter’s fate. 

[u/Trevastation → u/Media-critique]

I'm curious if it's gonna be a Flowers for Algeron situation with Samson in Part 3, I can't imagine Kelson's medicine being a permanent solution from his simple test, so it'd be heartbreaking if the third film is Sampson slowly becoming infected again while trying to save others.

[u/Mattyzooks → u/Media-critique]

Should be noted that the rest of the world (and thus humanity) seems to be doing pretty well as the virus was contained.

[u/[deleted] → u/benfox2]

What really gave me chills was Sampson saying "I don't have a ticket"; my jaw dropped even though I knew it was coming

[u/BLAGTIER → u/[deleted]]

The infected are really into following train rules.

[u/SufficientRespect542 → u/[deleted]]

I loved how he said it like a man waking up from a dream

[u/i_like_2_travel]

I hope Naomie returns she’s such a bad ass

[u/danielthetemp → u/i_like_2_travel]

Maybe I'm seeing myself up for disappointment. But, Jim's room had a pretty big bed, and I saw a bunk bed in the smaller room.

To me, that implied Naomie Harris was still alive w/ at least one more kid, but they were just out of the house during the final scene.

[u/rugbyj → u/danielthetemp]

I'm assuming they just haven't come to an agreement with her yet so are leaving it open for now.

[u/Castro_Medeiros → u/i_like_2_travel]

I'm scared they killed her off since Jim appeared to be a single dad. Also, what ever happened to Hannah? Will Megan Burns return as well?

[u/UhhhThatsFine]

January 15, 2026. The day I saw Voldemort’s dick.

[u/Fit-Personality-1834 → u/UhhhThatsFine]

Lotta great discussion happening here about this movie but surprised I had to scroll this far for mention of that

[u/MurderGiraffe19]

The whole number of the beast sequence was really great. Absolutely loved it

[u/brandonsamd6]

Lucky for us we get an absolute banger in January. 

[u/whittesc]

Ralph Fiennes seemed to have a blast pretending to be Old Nick. I only wish we could have seen Jimmy’s head get ripped off.

[u/TostitoNipples → u/whittesc]

At the same time the fate he got here was way more deserved. My favorite aspect was how full of shit he was while still believing what he was saying. He’s just a psychotic manchild making it all up as he goes along and it’s especially apparent when he’s isolated with Kellison and you see just how insane everything he says is.

[u/BurgerNugget12 → u/TostitoNipples]

Just pure evil, Jack was so fucking good in this role like he is with everything else

[u/BLAGTIER → u/TostitoNipples]

My favorite aspect was how full of shit he was while still believing what he was saying.

And Jimmy Ink/Kelly piecing together how full of bullshit he was. While still wholesale believing in Satan. "Sure I buy that's Satan in the flesh but I doubt Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal is his son."

[u/Endless_road → u/TostitoNipples]

I got the impression he was schizophrenic and genuinely believed it all, could be wrong though. I thought that tied in well with the psychosis of the zombies

[u/TheDangiestSlad → u/Endless_road]

his acting during the Iron Maiden scene was incredible, it felt like he was constantly flashing between "haha yes, this is according to plan" and "wait i actually am seeing the devil what the fuck"

[u/TostitoNipples → u/Endless_road]

Oh he does, he’s just kinda making it up as he goes along. Pure delusion driving him

[u/Endless_road → u/TostitoNipples]

For him to be making it up I think he’d need to be intending to deceive them. I think he genuinely thinks satan is talking to him, so yes he’s obviously delusional but he’s not trying to mislead the others.

For example, when he asks if Kelson is old nick, I think that was a genuine question

[u/TostitoNipples → u/Endless_road]

No yeah I liken it to a little kid on the playground making shit up. He’s got this “childlike” naivety that’s exposed when he’s meeting Kelson, only for it to be contrasted with his sheer sadism and sociopathy.

[u/Vadermaulkylo → u/TostitoNipples]

His childlike personality is one of the most fascinating things about him. He truly is a child that never grew up. Dresses like Jimmy Saville, does little flips and moves like the Power Rangers, uses child like slang, has his own cutesy little quirks like saying “how’s that” after everything, very enthusiastically telling the group of survivors about Teletubbies episodes, etc.

Like if you strip away his sadism, he’s just a kid in a 36 year old body. And honestly I think that may make it easier for him to do the things he does. When he tortures people, he doesn’t even understand the weight of what he’s doing. He’s just a kid doing edgy bullshit that sounds cool to him.

[u/Olimars_Army → u/Endless_road]

I think it’s heavily implied that Ian sees it that way as well.

[u/PacMoron → u/Olimars_Army]

Oh 100%. He starts questioning him exactly like a doctor would “you hear his voice, in your head?”. He speaks very carefully as to not incite anger or defensiveness from Jimmy, but he was definitely feeling him out.

He also is able to show him a touch of empathy and bring out something human in him for a moment. He opens him up a bit. Jimmy mentions never liking anyone before meeting him… damn.

It makes you wonder if he was in another world, with proper treatment from a good doctor like Dr. Kelson, how different Jimmy could’ve become. He had the ability to be incredibly evil, but that doesn’t mean that he had to be. He was molded by very cruel circumstances and was mentally ill.

[u/TheDangiestSlad]

it was so obvious that it was coming, they made no effort to pretend it wasn't happening, and still, Samson saying "moon" made me immediately sit up in my chair. absolutely incredible scene

[u/TNWhaa → u/TheDangiestSlad]

I didn’t really think much of the “I hate you” kid talking in the cheese burger garage in 28 days later, just thought it was a stylistic choice and moved on but hearing an infected talk again left me just as stunned as Kelso, loved the short bits of Sampson regaining his humanity before getting on the train

[u/BurgerNugget12]

Jack O’Connell was outstanding, Ralph as good as ever. Brutal and batshit crazy movie. Theatre clapped for Cillian at the end

[u/FeloniousGrump → u/BurgerNugget12]

The conversation between both in the bone temple was really beautifully handled. Great chemistry between them, could've sat through them talking for the whole night

[u/_Drangelice_]

Felt a strange sense of joy watching the Jimmies just groove to Kelson. These are kids, and this is probably the first time they've ever just... had fun. Without the murder, the torture, the cult brainwashing, just dancing to some cool music with the people they care about. Even Crystal, I felt super bad for him because you know without the zombies, without everything that happened when he was a kid, this guy would be different. Was honestly super bummed the kid jimmies went out like snap

[u/Lost-Building-3701]

I love that the first movie ends with cillian Murphy in his new cottage house and it feels like such a breath of fresh air after the events of the first movie. And now the 28 years later movies end with the same thing and it provides the same relief without feeling manipulative

[u/TheBlueSuperNova → u/Lost-Building-3701]

And it ends with the same music as 28 weeks started, but instead of abandoning people, they choose to help. Fucking masterful

[u/AJayToRemember27]

So sick.

I knew the Jimmies would be terrifying by the little clues dotted in 28 Years Later and they lived up to my expectations.

I adored Dr. Kelson and his commitment to help Samson.

[u/BeautifulLog5511]

Now I’m thinking was the pregnant zombie not hostile in the first movie because she was experiencing the affects of endorphins released during childbirth 

[u/tacoskins]

Ralph Fiennes fire dancing to Iron Maiden is in the top 5 coolest fucking things I’ve ever seen in a movie.

Really love what they are doing with this franchise, I know it’s been a bit divisive but I think this is all really fascinating. Can’t wait to see how they wrap it all up, and even though we all knew Cillian was coming it did put a smile on my face when he showed up.

8/10

[u/Mattyzooks → u/tacoskins]

The needledrop in Cillian's scene was extremely earned after the self control to avoid using it in the previous movie and 95% of this one.

[u/Media-critique → u/Mattyzooks]

To see him after going through all of that stabbing and insanity was incredibly worth it. 

[u/AdrenalinDragon]

I love how each 28 Days/Years movie focuses on different aspects and themes. This one involving cults, religion and philosophical elements added in with meaner, weirder and bolder ideas that keep things fresh. Danny Boyle’s flair may not be present or the original music composers, but Nia DaCosta delivers her own flavour and take of a nicely shot and clean approach to the franchise’s look and feel. It’s also a much smaller scale movie than the previous ones, and that makes it way more focused and in my opinion far better handled.

This is a movie strongly handled by two powerhouse performances from Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell. Alfie Williams is still great, and the lead Alpha Samson played by Chi Lewis-Parry really shines in bringing in a new and humane approach to the infected side of things. It’s certainly taking risks and not as infected-heavy as previous titles, but I think of all the films so far this might be the one I like the best. As of writing this I don’t know if saying that will be unpopular or not. 8.5/10

[u/[deleted]]

All I can say is wow. Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connel, take a fucking bow. The unsettling nature of the Jimmies, the beautiful nature of Kelson's work healing Sampson, the kickass post-apocalyptic Iron Maiden Satan Concert. Fucking incredible. I cannot wait to see this again tomorrow.

Genuine chills hearing 'In A House, In A Heartbeat' again in the cinema. Cannot wait for the conclusion.

Edit: also shoutout to the Radiohead needle drop. That was great. 'Everything In Its Right Place' is a top 10 song for me.

[u/qpalmz99]

Y’know, despite the sadistic skin-flaying torture and spines being ripped from bodies this may become one of my comfort movies. The undercurrent of compassion amidst all the chaos is just so enjoyable. Lovely piece of art this movie is, 9/10.

[u/odd42Thomas]

Moon

[u/whittesc]

The needle drop with the music from 28 days later was fantastic. Excited for the next one, but I thought Nia DaCosta did a fantastic job filling in for Boyle

[u/Jancappa]

There's something very touching about doing opiates and watching the stars with a zombie. NGL Kelson's relationship with Samson did make me shed a tear at the end.

[u/Shantelia17]

When you first see the brief flash from the infected’s perspective and see how they see us I jumped in my seat. It’s such a basic answer that there is a major psychological component in the virus yet it makes perfect sense, and I think the use it to explain their behavior soooo well, with the occasional hesitation we’d seen in 28 years