'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Is Finally Here: Is the New Horror Hit Worth Watching?

Following Danny Boyle's return to the franchise with 28 Years Later, fans eagerly awaited the next chapter. Now, it's finally here in the form of The Bone Temple.

Although the change in directors raised questions, the result exceeded expectations – The Bone Temple is perhaps the most profound and brutal installment in the entire franchise.

What Is '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' About?

The story takes place immediately after the events of 28 Years Later and follows a young survivor named Spike. Seeking protection, Spike joins a dark cult led by the self-proclaimed prophet Jimmy Crystal and his seven fanatical followers, known as Fingers.

Joining the cult requires murder, and staying requires participating in bloody "charity" raids on other survivors. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson, who is on the verge of discovering a vaccine, tries to find common ground with an Alpha-infected patient nicknamed Samson.

The cult's brutal terror and the desperate hope of science will soon converge in an epic confrontation.

'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Is Directed Not by Danny Boyle, but by Nia DaCosta, Director of 'Candyman'

Many were concerned about the handover of the reins from franchise creator Danny Boyle to Nia DaCosta, whose credits include the horror film Candyman and The Marvels.

Would she be able to maintain the franchise's unique spirit? The answer was a resounding "yes." DaCosta delivered – and then some. She created perhaps the grittiest, most socially nuanced, and most humane installment in the franchise.

Her vision brought a new psychological depth and ruthlessness to the familiar universe, proving that a legacy can endure and evolve.

'The Bone Temple' Is Both a Gory Horror Movie and a Strong, Well-Written Drama

The Bone Temple expands on the central premise of the original: in a post-apocalyptic world, the most terrifying monsters are not the infected, but rather, people. Jimmy Crystal's cult embodies absolute evil and is devoid of empathy, their actions resemble those in A Clockwork Orange.

However, DaCosta avoids one-dimensionality – she looks beyond the mad prophet's facade, revealing his inner self as a frightened, resentful child whose cruelty is a cry for help.

In contrast, Dr. Kelson's attempts to find common ground with the monster become an unexpectedly touching ode to humanism and hope, even in the darkest of times.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'?

• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has 93% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.7/10.

• On Letterboxd, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple scored 3.9/5.0.

Where to Watch '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'?

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is currently playing in theaters.