A 92% RT Horror Movie Is Now Available At Home, And It’ll Make You Regret Skipping It In Theaters

by

January and February are typically slow months for movie theaters. Studios often release films they don’t have high expectations for during this time – it’s even nicknamed “Dumpuary”! Combined with winter weather in many parts of the country, this explains why box office numbers are usually lower at the beginning of the year.

Despite a slow start to the year for movie releases, things recently improved with some genuinely good films coming out. Studios seem to be adjusting to the post-pandemic movie landscape and are releasing stronger titles. Sam Raimi’s Send Help is doing well thanks to positive buzz, and last weekend brought several highly anticipated movies like the new Wuthering Heights adaptation, Sony’s animated Goat, and the critically acclaimed Crime 101. While those films still have a chance to succeed, one movie already broke the pattern of January’s typically weak releases – and audiences are about to discover what they’ve been missing.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Is Now Available To Watch At Home

As a big fan of the original 28 Days Later, I was so excited when Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later came out last summer, starting what was supposed to be a new trilogy. The second movie just hit theaters on January 16th, and they actually filmed it right after the first one. There was a lot of buzz going in – Sony showed it to critics early, which usually means they’re confident in the film. But even though it got a great score on Rotten Tomatoes – 92%! – it hasn’t really taken off. It’s only made around $56 million worldwide, but it cost about $63 million to make, so that’s a bit disappointing.

After a short run in cinemas, the film The Bone Temple is now available to rent or buy digitally from February 17th on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. It costs $24.99 to buy and $19.99 to rent, with prices expected to drop as it becomes available on more platforms. Given its performance in theaters, Sony is likely hoping viewers will watch it online quickly. Digital sales give studios a larger share of the revenue compared to ticket sales, and a boost in online viewing could help offset some of the film’s losses.

Most viewers will likely regret not seeing it in theaters – 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a genuinely great horror film. Director Nia DaCosta took a different approach to Alex Garland’s script than Danny Boyle did, and while the interactions between Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson and the infected Alpha Samson offer some much-needed humor, the latter half of the film, focused on Spike, is quite bleak. Though the Jimmies saved Spike from the infected at the end of 28 Years Later, their motives weren’t benevolent.

Jack O’Connell, fresh off his role in Sinners, gives a powerful performance as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader who believes he is the son of Satan. The disturbing actions of Crystal and his followers, set against the backdrop of a Rage Virus apocalypse, are genuinely unsettling. However, Ralph Fiennes offers a balancing presence that prevents the film, The Bone Temple, from becoming overwhelmingly dark. You’ll likely find yourself both laughing and cringing, but the movie manages to stay focused and well-constructed.

The film culminates in a truly memorable scene – one of the best of the year, and best experienced with loud volume! It also leaves the door open for a thrilling continuation. While a third film in the 28 Years series has been discussed, it hasn’t been made yet, and the disappointing box office results of The Bone Temple don’t encourage further investment. If you enjoy it, please see it in theaters at full price – The Bone Temple is strong enough that an unfinished trilogy will likely leave new fans disappointed for a long time.

Read More

2026-02-17 23:20