’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ First Reactions Hail Horror Sequel as “The Movie of the Year”

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It’s only the beginning of January, but a new horror movie is already generating a lot of buzz. Early reactions to the upcoming sequel in the zombie series suggest it’s a standout film that offers something fresh and different.

X/Twitter user @ragingmotelfire is already declaring Nia DaCosta’s Bone Temple their favorite movie of the year, praising DaCosta as a brilliant director and noting Danny Boyle’s excellent choice in selecting her. They also highlighted career-best performances from Jack O’Connell. Ross Bonaime of Collider echoed the enthusiasm, calling the work of Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell both “tremendous” and “terrifying.”

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a fantastic film. It powerfully examines what it means to be human in a post-apocalyptic world and offers a compelling look at the origins of the virus. Ralph Fiennes gives a brilliant performance, and Jack O’Connell is genuinely frightening. I couldn’t stop smiling during the final twenty minutes!

“The First Summer Blockbuster Arrived in January”


Miya Mizuno / © Columbia Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

Critics are calling the new horror film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a standout summer blockbuster, despite its January release. Many describe it as the darkest installment in the series yet, praising its boldness and impact. Some are even calling it one of the best horror sequels in recent years, highlighting a particularly detestable performance by Jack O’Connell – a villain arguably worse than his previous role, without the benefit of being a supernatural creature. Director Nia DaCosta, who took over from Danny Boyle, also receives praise, with reviewers noting that The Bone Temple feels more connected to the original 2002 film, 28 Days Later, than last year’s continuation.

I watched 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and it is REALLY GOOD.

Nia DaCosta brilliantly pays tribute to the raw terror of the original ’28 Days Later.’ John Boyega delivers a captivating performance, blending haunting intensity with dark humor. The film is intensely brutal and violent, particularly in the beginning, before a surprising emotional core develops.

This felt more in line with Days than Years did.

The new film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, starring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry, will be released in theaters on January 16, 2026. A third film in the series is already planned. Here’s a look at the official story summary…

Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple continues the story begun by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Years Later, but with a surprising twist. The film follows Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) as he navigates a complicated new relationship with potentially global repercussions, and Spike (Alfie Williams) as he finds himself trapped in a terrifying ordeal with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). In this new world, the biggest danger isn’t the infected – it’s the cruelty of the remaining humans.

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2026-01-09 16:24