28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
The story
In a world ravaged by the Rage Virus, Dr. Ian Kelson maintains a sanctuary known as the Bone Temple, an ossuary for those lost to the epidemic. He lives in a state of isolation, protecting himself with iodine and attempting to find a connection with Samson, an Alpha Infected who has become docile under the influence of sedatives. Meanwhile, a young boy named Spike is taken in by the 'Fingers,' a dangerous gang led by the fanatical and psychopathic Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. As the two groups' paths begin to converge, the survival of the few remaining humans hangs in the balance amidst the brutal reality of the post-apocalyptic landscape.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After being rescued by the Fingers, a gang led by the psychopathic 'Sir Lord' Jimmy Crystal, Spike is forced into a death match as an initiation. Dr. Ian Kelson, who protects himself from the Rage Virus with iodine, builds the Bone Temple to memorialize victims. He develops a human connection with Samson, an Alpha Infected who has become addicted to morphine. The plot intensifies when the Fingers raid a farm where survivors Tom and Cathy are hiding. During the raid, the group's internal tensions rise as some members grow disillusioned with Sir Jimmy's leadership. Kelson eventually faces a choice regarding Samson's fate, while the Fingers are forced to confront the reality of their situation. In a climactic confrontation at the Bone Temple, Kelson is forced to perform as 'Satan' for the cult. He ultimately betrays Sir Jimmy, leading to a violent confrontation where several members of the Fingers are killed. Spike and the survivor Kellie (Jimmy Ink) escape the temple as Kelson succumbs to his wounds, while Samson carries his body away. The film ends with Spike and Kellie being observed by a survivor named Jim and his daughter, Sam, setting the stage for the next installment.
- First release year
- 2026
- Runtime (minutes)
- 109
- Production countries
- United Kingdom; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Nia DaCosta
- Writers
- Alex Garland · writer
- Cast and characters
- Ralph Fiennes · Dr Ian Kelson; Jack O'Connell · Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal; Alfie Williams · Spike; Erin Kellyman · Jimmy Ink / Kellie; Chi Lewis-Parry · Samson; Emma Laird · Jimmima; Sam Locke · Jimmy Fox; Robert Rhodes · Jimmy Jimmy
- Genres
- post-apocalyptic; horror
- Themes
- human violence vs. innate humanity; nature of evil
- Tone and mood
- horror; idiosyncratic
- Premise and plot tags
- zombie; cult; satanism; survival
- Source material / true-story basis
- 28 Days Later film series
- Franchise connections
- 28 Days Later
- Content notes
- gore
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim and was noted for being uniquely idiosyncratic, though it underperformed at the box office relative to its budget.
- Reported review scores
- PostTrak · score: 4.5 · scale: 5
- Production trivia
- The film was shot back-to-back with its predecessor.; A scene where Kelson and Samson dance to Duran Duran's Rio was improvised.; The character Samson required a full-body prosthetic suit that took hours to apply.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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