The Bone Temple introduces a new non-blonde skeleton crew

The post-apocalyptic horror movie series featuring the number 28 began in 2002 with 28 Days Later and in 2007 spawned a sequel, 28 Weeks Later. In 2025, 28 Years Later reinvigorated the franchise and The Bone Temple cashes in on that momentum in 2026.

The Rage Virus ravaged the world after an outbreak in England and a bicycle courier named Jim awakened to experience the aftereffects of 28 Days Later being spread quickly. A remote island in London is introduced in Weeks and in 28 Years, that island is left with a small number of survivors.

In Bone Temple, Spike from the earlier Years joins a cult who don blonde drag and follows the orders of sociopath Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. The ragtag group stumbles upon Dr. Ian Kelson's memorial to victims of the virus. His Bone Temple is located outdoors and is composed of skeleton parts tied to posts to create columns spiraling towards the sky. A battle ensues on the island between the various parties stemming from the result of conflicting moral values, beliefs and agendas.

The setup and execution of the Bone chapter have shrunk the undead world to this insular island. This makes for an intimate spinoff of the larger story arc and adds to the possibility of curing the infected population.

Director Nia DaCosta coaxes multi-layered performances from the players in The Bone Temple and takes her time when fleshing out the various characters. The creatures are used as a backdrop and not the main attraction to focus on the humanity of dire situations. These transformed aggressive monsters move quickly and aren't the stiff, slow walkers sometimes depicted in zombie lore in the past.

Ralph Fiennes is a rock star in the role of Kelson, who lives in a bunker and listens to classic tunes on vinyl. Natural, dirty blonde performer Jack O'Connell is convincing as the leader of the Jimmys and should earn new followers for his career after eating up this unhinged delinquent delicacy.

Alpha male Chi Lewis-Parry is known onscreen as Samson, the strong, silent type, trying to shake off the disease. He sports long curly hair and is packing with a prosthetic penis. Ian is the Delilah to Samson and should have cut his hair while trying to turn him back into a basic barbarian with a heart of gold.

The latest 28 endeavor is a worthy addition to the canon, but Bone should be known for connecting ligaments rather than being a fully formed part of the Years Later body's overall physique. Fans are already ravenous for the fifth film, but until then, the Temple provides sanctuary for the diehards who worship this crimson-soaked world.

Wear your best blonde wig to the theater and catch this Columbia Pictures release on January 16 on the bloody big screen.