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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Opens to Strong Reviews as Sequel Hits Theaters

Critics highlight Nia DaCosta’s brutal, stylish take that pushes the series’ humans-as-monsters theme to the forefront.

Overview

  • The fourth franchise entry and middle film of a new sub-trilogy debuts in UK theaters Jan. 14 and in the US on Jan. 16, seven months after the previous chapter.
  • The story tracks Spike’s coerced induction into a violent cult led by Sir Jimmy Crystal alongside Dr. Ian Kelson’s compassionate experiments with an Alpha infected named Samson.
  • Reviews praise standout performances from Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, with Chi Lewis-Parry earning notice, and note uncompromising gore and audacious set pieces.
  • DaCosta’s direction is described as darker and more measured than Danny Boyle’s, with tonal shifts, well-timed humor, and music-driven sequences.
  • Critics widely frame the film as a potent but connective middle chapter, with Sony green-lighting a third installment and Boyle set to return as director.