The Bone Temple asks: What if living humans were our biggest fear in the zombie apocalypse? That’s what separates this instalment from its predecessors in the franchise. Writer Alex Garland and Director Nia DaCosta focus on the savagery of the Jimmys. We watch as they skin a family alive with sadistic glee. DaCosta is unflinching in her gruesome vision of the Jimmys world. These horrific scenes are spine-chilling and grotesque; not for the faint of heart.

The Jimmys resemble a cult. They have their leader and obey his demands because he claims it’s what Sir Nick, meaning the Devil, wants. O’Connell is spectacular as this charismatic yet dimwitted leader. He has crafted a character that audiences can fear yet laugh at. The ensemble of Jimmys deliver frightening performances as this deranged group. A standout is Erin Kellyman, who gets the most screen time as a ‘finger’ who’s skeptical of her leader.

These unsettling scenes with the Jimmys are juxtaposed with gentle moments at the bone temple with Ian and Samson. The encounters begin with Ian injecting the zombie with morphine. The drug allows the doctor to communicate with the undead. Yet, even when the drug wears off, Samson poses no threat to Ian; no harm is ever committed. This results in a friendship between the two. They chat, take naps and even dance together. This is uncharted territory for a zombie-horror; it’s more common in a zombie-comedy. Luckily, the filmmakers completely lean into the peculiarity, which results in moments of lighthearted fun for the audience.

This storyline gives Ian a purpose. He’s finally able to test if there is a cure to this virus. Fiennes, once again, delivers a sublime performance as this lonely doctor. He plays the doctor with childish wonder at the thought of treating the infected, while also keeping that slightly manic quirk from 28 Years Later. With each scene at the bone temple, we gradually see that Samson is becoming less infected. He can even form words! No doubt a pivotal point that warrants the franchise another instalment (especially with who appears in the final scene).

When we arrive at the final act, these two storylines converge to an epic extravaganza. It becomes the meeting of two worlds. Or as we like to think of it: when a satanist meets an atheist. There is an absolute bonkers crescendo that happens as the Jimmys arrive at the bone temple and meet Ian. It’s a satisfying end to a distinctive zombie-horror that delivers on all fronts.

Sony Pictures Canada release 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE on Friday, January 16, 2026.