Filmed back-to-back with its predecessor (Last years 28 years later) The Bone Temple picks up where that film left off by following the continuing story of Spike (Alfie Williams) and his struggles to survive on an infection ravaged mainland Britain.
Danny Boyle passes the reigns over to Candyman Director Nia DaCosta for this instalment, but scriptwriter Alex Garland is still about to provide connective tissue between the films.
After the loss of his Mother, Spike has been taken in by the unhinged Jimmy Clan, led by Jack O’Connell’s deranged Sir Jimmy Crystal. The gang’s introduction in 28 Years later was a tonally jarring slapstick coda which threatened to derail what came before, but thankfully DaCosta’s film is much more even. Ralph Fiennes returns as the eccentric but kind Doctor Kelson, with his studies of infected Alpha ‘Sampson’ and the bond he forms with the seemingly mindless brute, playing an important part in the film’s narrative. However, it’s O’Connell who is the films driving force. He is perfectly suited to play violent, barely restrained antagonists like Crystal, (see also Sinners) and is a captivating on screen presence here. The inspiration for his gang’s moniker and their dress code is never mentioned by name, but as their barbaric murders mount up and the gang label them as ‘Charity’ it’s another nod to the realife monster whose actions still haunt this country.
The Jimmy gang’s evil intentions and poor Spike’s turmoil as he is forced to participate, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension, but as gruesome as the film is, DaCosta wisely chooses not to dwell too much on the gore, effectively leaving viewers imagination to do the heavy lifting.
As with the last film, there are some bold swings in this instalment (Iron Maiden fans are in for a treat) and it’s a credit to Garland that he’s maintained the ability to surprise deep into the 4th instalment of such a long running horror franchise.
Like it’s predecessor, The Bone Temple has two clear story threads, but they converge quicker here as the narrative builds towards an inevitable blood-soaked collision between Spike, The Jimmy’s and Doctor Kelson.
In an interview Danny Boyle stated that while this film explores the nature of evil, a proposed follow-up will provide a redemptive conclusion. A tantalising epilogue sets that in motion and will leave fans of the original film salivating for more.
Soundtracked by a powerfully unsettling score from Hildur Guðnadóttir, The Bone Temple is tension-filled from the get-go and goes to some really unexpected places. Gruesome and wonderfully bold cinema.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paul Steward
24/01/26
x @grittster