28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review - A Dark, Gritty Sequel
After the heart-pounding experience of 28 Years Later, we're back for more. This time, we dive into the sequel that's been over two decades in the making. 28 Weeks Later isn't canon, but that doesn't stop us from eagerly awaiting the next installment in the zombie apocalypse saga. The original film explored British nationalism, isolationism, and patriarchy, but this sequel takes a darker turn, delving into the depravity of humanity and the consequences of perverted religion.
A Gritty, Gore-Filled Adventure
'The Bone Temple' introduces us to the central theme of humanity's capacity for depravity when religion is twisted and cults thrive in isolation. The Rage Virus takes a backseat as the true horror lies in the actions of humans, who prove far more sinister than the infected. Jack O'Connor's Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader with a peculiar following, sets the stage for a brutal knife fight in an abandoned water park. The film's violence is intense, with a childish game of pantsing ending in a gory display of arterial spray.
Religious Cults and Medieval Torture
The religious principles of the cult, led by O'Connell's deranged priest, form the basis for medieval torture rituals inflicted upon their victims. These scenes, set in a Texas Chainsaw Massacre-style barn, are ultra-violent and earn the film its 18 rating. The audience must have a strong stomach or an appetite for grindhouse to witness these harrowing moments.
A Complex Web of Characters
The gang, including Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson and Ralph Fiennes as Dr Kelson, roams the land, dispatching infected and terrorizing unsuspecting survivors. Dr Kelson, the gentle doctor from the first film, maintains the titular Bone Temple and lives a monastic life beneath it. He continues his work as the last bastion of the NHS, attempting to connect with Samson, the Alpha infected from the previous film. Their unique relationship, marked by a strange communion, offers a respite from the splatterpunk violence.
A Potential Cure for the Rage Virus?
Dr Kelson's theory suggests that the Rage Virus may be treatable, possibly a psychosis transforming normal human faces into hideous demons. However, time is running out as his drug stash dwindles, Samson fails to regain language, and the cult leader, Jimmy Ink, is closing in. The film's climax sees Dr Kelson's theory tested as he confronts the devil incarnate, Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, and his ideology.
A Mixed Reception
'The Bone Temple' is a curious beast, serving as a bridge to an untitled third film. While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of Boyle's experimental horde chases, Fiennes' compelling performance as Dr Kelson is a welcome addition. The film's exploration of religious cults and the consequences of their actions is a thought-provoking journey. Allen's character, once bold, is underutilized, leaving fans wanting more. The artistic choices made by director Nia DaCosta, distinct from Boyle's style, offer a fresh perspective and a fascinating exercise in storytelling.
Release Date: 14 January
