28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE

This sequel to ‘28 Years Later’ reintroduces Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a mysterious physician surviving in the ruins of post-apocalyptic Britain. He’s spent his time in isolation building a ‘Bone Temple’, a macabre memorial to those taken by the Rage Virus, while studying an evolved zombie named Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) with scientific curiosity. His peace is shattered by the arrival of a sadistic, cult-like gang led by the cruel Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), who is searching for his father. Crystal arrives with Spike (Alfie Williams) in tow, having forced the boy into a fight to the death to earn his place in the gang. The group wear tracksuits, don bleach blonde wigs and are all called ‘Jimmy’ in a disturbing homage to disgraced UK media personality Jimmy Savile, showing how selective memories are cherry picked and held onto from times gone by. While this installment ramps up the gore, there is less zombie action than its prequel. Instead, the focus shifts to the dire threat humans pose to one another, even after global annihilation, and how survivors must navigate a violent new world order that blurs the lines between humanity and brutality. I was previously critical of Fiennes, feeling he was miscast in his role but I’ve eaten my opinion after seeing him unleash an unhinged, surreal performance on his unwanted guests, ninety minutes in. He is both hypnotic and horrifying in that moment, and at 63 years of age, he moves with the fluidity of a 25 year old. It’s early days but I’m calling it as one of the most memorable scenes of the year that will take a lot to beat. Moving on from the previous film’s reliance on iPhones, the frequent central framing, intricate prosthetic make up and a score layered with unconventional elements like orchestrated human moans and gasps, creates a bristling atmosphere. The 11th hour return of a character whose fate has been in limbo for over two decades will please long time fans and a massive stage is set for part three. Howzat!