Examining the Trailer for The Bone Temple after 28 Years: Health Concerns Pale in Comparison
In the highly anticipated sequel to the post-apocalyptic horror film, "28 Years Later", titled "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple", a chilling new world is introduced, filled with danger and horror.
The Bone Temple, set to release in UK cinemas on the 16th January 2026, explores the terrifying consequences of human beings giving in to their baser instincts or being left to indulge them without restraint. At the heart of this story is the enigmatic character of Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O'Connell, who makes his first appearance in this film. Unlike the earlier film's protagonist Jim, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, Jimmy Crystal is a cult leader with a sinister agenda.
Jimmy Crystal's cult, depicted in The Bone Temple as dangerous to humanity, forces its members to wear tracksuits and matching blonde wigs. The motivation for their murders might be sacrifices for their bizarre belief system. The cult's environment, reminiscent of Savile's, where he thrived despite his crimes, adds an unsettling layer to the narrative.
The director of The Bone Temple, Nia DaCosta, has crafted a somber tone for the film, contrasting sharply with the goofiness of the previous film's conclusion. The trailer, which has already garnered 60 million views, suggests that The Bone Temple will focus on the interactions between a character named Spike and Jimmy Crystal's cult.
Alex Garland, the screenwriter, has mentioned that the themes of nostalgia versus looking to the future will become more "explicit" in The Bone Temple. An intriguing aspect of the narrative seems to revolve around Samson, played by Chi Lewis-Parry, who appears to have a significant role beyond just being a terroriser. There are hints of an uneasy truce forming between Samson and Dr Kelson in the film.
The character of Jimmy Crystal is heavily inspired by the late presenter Jimmy Savile, a controversial figure in British history. Arthur C Clarke's monologue in the trailer is from a 1964 episode of the TV documentary, Horizon, adding a layer of historical weight to the film.
As the release date approaches, fans of the 28 Days Later series are eagerly awaiting the dark turn that The Bone Temple promises. The film is set to challenge our perceptions of humanity and the horrifying things we are capable of when we lose our way.
