“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a bloody, darkly humorous examination of humanity at its depths.
The film takes place in a bleak version of Britain where survival is a daily struggle. The Rage Virus, an infection that turns its carriers into mindless zombie-like creatures, has led to the collapse of society where survivors are paranoid and isolated. We return to the story shortly after the events of the first film, “28 Years Later,” and follow returning characters like the fanatical cult leader Jimmy and the curious survivor Dr. Ian Kelson.
In this fast-paced, unpredictable film; survival horror meets dark comedy. My theater’s audience went from gasping to laughing out loud with its quick tonal shifts. The contrast between graphic acts of violence and cartoonish villains kept the audience on their toes.
The heart of the film is the acting, with Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes standing out as personal favorites. O’Connell as the delusional cult leader Jimmy was incredible as he delivers his lines with frightening intensity, while managing to be hilarious at the same time. Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson is a stark contrast as a survivor who is compassionate towards both humans and the infected alike, giving a human touch to the otherwise violent wasteland.
These performances got an added edge through the stunning visuals. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt depicts striking images of skull towers against the British countryside and cities in ruin. His images of the titular bone temple make the fiery ending completely unforgettable. We see a primitive version of humanity at its barest, though strangely familiar through director Nia DaCosta’s lens.
The film uses its soundtrack to make its story even more compelling. From a character humming along to Duran Duran to a fiery conclusion to Iron Maiden, we get to experience a Britain that is stuck in time.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is the most entertaining moviegoing experience of the year so far. It is deeply shocking, twistedly funny and unwavering in its depiction of humanity at its worst.
