‘Surprisingly Funny, Exceptionally Brutal.’ Critics Say 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Is Boosted By ‘Spectacular’ Ralph Fiennes

The long‑awaited sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has arrived, and critics are calling it one of the franchise’s most violent yet unexpectedly humorous installments. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film continues the saga of a virus‑ravaged United Kingdom while spotlighting Ralph Fiennes’ standout performance as Dr. Ian Kelson.

A Franchise That Keeps Evolving

The 28 Days Later series has long been praised for reinventing the zombie subgenre. Danny Boyle’s original film in 2002 introduced audiences to the Rage virus and a bleak yet hopeful survival story. Its follow‑ups have expanded the mythology, with 28 Years Later in 2025 introducing Fiennes’ character. His emotional debut left audiences wanting more, and The Bone Temple delivers.

Critics Praise Fiennes’ Performance

Reviews highlight Fiennes as the film’s emotional anchor. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert calls him “among his generation’s best comedic actors,” noting how his dry wit and unconventional emotion elevate the film. Jesse Hassenger of AV Club agrees, describing Fiennes as “spectacular” and praising a musical sequence involving Kelson’s record collection as “a showstopper for the ages.” Nick Venable of CinemaBlend awarded the film 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising DaCosta’s ability to balance brutality with dark humor. Clint Gage of IGN echoed this sentiment, rating the film 8 out of 10 and calling it “surprisingly funny, exceptionally brutal.”

A Darkly Comic Approach

Critics note DaCosta’s bold stylistic choices, particularly with the soundtrack. Jas Keimig of the Seattle Times observed that certain moments feel more like a comedy than a horror film, offering relief amid the gore. This tonal shift underscores the film’s central question: who are the real monsters — the infected or the survivors themselves?

Violence and Humanity

While the film is filled with gruesome imagery — including skinning scenes and cult rituals — it also explores human resilience and moral ambiguity. Spike (Alfie Williams) and Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) drive much of the narrative, but it’s Kelson’s presence that ties the chaos together.

Certified Fresh

With a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Bone Temple has been Certified Fresh, cementing its place as a worthy sequel. Though some critics argue it doesn’t surpass 28 Years Later, most agree it expands the franchise in bold and unexpected ways.

What’s Next

The film hints at larger revolutions within the quarantined U.K., setting the stage for future installments. With DaCosta’s vision and Fiennes’ commanding performance, the 28 Later franchise continues to thrive nearly three decades after its inception. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now playing in theaters. For those needing a refresher, 28 Years Later is available to stream on Netflix.