The latest movie in the popular horror series, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, has earned an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes just before it opens in theaters. This score makes it the highest-rated film in the entire 28 Days Later franchise, beating the previous movies. The film officially opens across the United States on January 16, 2026.
Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, this new sequel continues the story right after the events of last year’s 28 Years Later. It is the fourth film in the series that started with the classic 28 Days Later in 2002. Critics are praising the film for its strong performances and its fresh, yet terrifying, take on the world.
Critics Agree It Is a Strong New Chapter
Early reviews from critics highlight that The Bone Temple is a powerful addition to the series. Many note it successfully builds on the story while introducing its own distinct style under director Nia DaCosta’s guidance.
Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian stated, “It’s very rare for a fourquel to be the best film in a franchise, but that’s how things stand with the chequered 28 Days Later series.”
Kristen Lopez of The Film Maven said, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is not only better than its predecessor, it’s one of the first great movies of 2026.”
The film’s focus has shifted. While the infected “Rage Virus” victims are still a threat, the story explores a new danger from a group of human survivors. Critics point out that the true horror now comes from other people who have formed dangerous cults in the broken world. The movie has been described as more brutal and graphic than the earlier films, with scenes that are very intense.
The Story and Characters of The Bone Temple
The film follows two main storylines that eventually connect. The young hero Spike, played by Alfie Williams, finds himself trapped with a violent cult known as “The Jimmys”. This gang is led by the terrifying Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell.
In an interview, Alfie Williams described Spike’s situation: “It becomes a nightmare that he can’t escape. He’s stuck with this gang that, frankly, just creep him out. He has to get away for survival, and it puts people that he loves at risk.”
The other storyline centers on Dr. Ian Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes. He is a doctor who maintains a memorial called the Bone Temple, built from the remains of the virus’s victims. His story takes a surprising turn as he forms an unexpected connection with an “Alpha” infected named Samson, played by Chi Lewis-Parry. This relationship becomes a key part of the film’s emotional core.
Standout Performances from Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell
Critics are giving exceptional praise to the lead actors. Ralph Fiennes‘s performance as Dr. Kelson is being called a highlight of the entire series. He brings depth to a character who is both intelligent and deeply affected by the world around him.
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Fiennes is magnificentโฆ He elevates the movie whenever heโs onscreen.”
Damon Wise of Deadline Hollywood Daily noted, “Fiennesโs commando performance [is] a tour de forceโฆ the filmโs astonishing, electrifying climax could put him back into the awards conversation.”
As the villain, Jack O’Connell is receiving equal acclaim for creating a character that is both charismatic and deeply unsettling. His character, Jimmy Crystal, is based on a real and controversial British figure, which adds a disturbing layer for viewers familiar with the reference.
A New Director Brings a Fresh Vision
This film sees a change in leadership. While Danny Boyle directed the first three films, Nia DaCosta takes over as director for The Bone Temple, with series creator Alex Garland still writing the script. DaCosta is known for directing the 2021 film Candyman and last year’s well-reviewed Hedda.
Critics say she has successfully put her own stamp on the franchise. Her direction is noted for being confident and for balancing intense horror with thoughtful character moments. She also changed the visual style, moving from the iPhone cameras used in 28 Years Later to traditional digital cinema cameras for a different look.
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How to Watch and What Comes Next
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, graphic nudity, language, and brief drug use. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes.
It was first released in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2026. The wide release in the United States begins on January 16, 2026. The movie was produced with a budget of approximately $63 million.
The ending of the film sets up the next story. It features a cameo appearance from Cillian Murphy, who returns as Jim, his character from the original 28 Days Later. This sets the stage for a planned third and final film in this new trilogy. For fans of the series, The Bone Temple appears to be a successful and thrilling bridge to that future story.
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