The Scream Queen

Six six six the number of the beast, Hell and fire was spawned to be released – Iron Maiden

Jumping straight back in to the rage-infected world of 28 Years Later, Nia DaCosta’s electrifying sequel, The Bone Temple, picks Spike’s (Alfie Williams) narrative where we left him last; being indoctrinated into tracksuit-clad cult ‘The Jimmy’s’, led by the psychotic Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’ Connell). Interwoven between the sadistic acts of this satanist group is the continuing story of Dr. Ian Kelson, portrayed by the infallible Ralph Fiennes, as his lack of connection in the ruinous landscape manifests in a beautifully humanist way.

Although Danny Boyle’s distinct direction is glaringly absent from The Bone Temple, DaCosta’s innate understanding of writer Alex Garland’s post-apocalyptic landscape cements her status as a tour-de-force filmmaker who’s not afraid to shake up franchises. It’s a unique mix of British bleakness with a darkly comic streak, not straying too far tonally from the previous entries in the franchise. The emotional arc also persists, even if many will find it less impactful than that of its predecessor. But the deep undercurrent of hope is at the centre – maybe more so than it has ever been.

Performances are all round great, and although audiences were keen to see Jack O’ Connell’s crazed ‘Sir Jimmy Crystal’ become fully realised, it is Ralph Fiennes continually fantastic performance as ‘Dr. Ian Kelson’ which steals the show – quite literally. The Jimmy’s cruel acts of charity are a horrific reminder of the dangers of humanity during trying times. But Kelson’s flourishing friendship with infected Alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), stands in parallel, reminding us that we must not lose our humanity – especially when it is all we have left.

Final Verdict:

Featuring a show stopping performance from Ralph Fiennes that truly sets the stage on fire, Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is an electrifying sequel which amps up the entertainment. Despite the British bleakness that encompasses the tone of the 28 franchise, there is a distinct hopefulness which carries the narrative in a surprisingly poignant direction. Complete with a killer soundtrack, The Bone Temple is more fleshed out than its predecessor; it’s brutal, funny, and more importantly, extremely infectious. If you haven’t already seen it, it’s time to dance with the devil.