Early Reviews Call '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' 2026's Best Film
Critics and early viewers are already declaring Nia DaCosta's zombie sequel a masterpiece, praising Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell's performances in what many consider the franchise's darkest entry yet.
January just started, but critics think they've found 2026's standout film. Early reactions to the zombie horror sequel '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' suggest the franchise has delivered another groundbreaking entry that could dominate awards season.
Social media buzz exploded after advance screenings. Twitter user @ragingmotelfire declared: "Idc that 2026 just started _Bone Temple_ is my movie of the year! Nia DaCosta is a brilliant director and proves why Danny Boyle handpicked her to direct! Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes put in some career-best performances & I couldn't be prouder! I can't wait to watch it again!"
Standout Performances Drive Critical Acclaim
Collider's Ross Bonaime highlighted the film's emotional depth alongside its terror. "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is incredible. Really explores the idea of humanity in a world gone to hell in stunning fashion while also delving into the virus itself. Ralph Fiennes is tremendous. Jack O'Connell terrifying. I was grinning like an idiot for the last 20 minutes."
Multiple reviewers called O'Connell's villain performance even more disturbing than his vampire role in 'Sinners.' The actor apparently brings a chilling humanity to his antagonist that makes him more frightening than supernatural monsters.
Director Nia DaCosta Earns Widespread Praise
DaCosta's direction received particular attention from critics who worried about following Danny Boyle's vision. @BrandonDavisBD wrote: "I watched 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and it is REALLY GOOD. Nia DaCosta does a phenomenal job honoring the gritty 28 horrors. O'Connell is haunting & darkly funny. Ruthless & violent, especially early before heart creeps in. This felt more in line with Days than Years did."
Early reactions describe the film as "the darkest of the series" and "Bold. Bombastic. Brazen." Several critics called it "one of the best horror sequels of the century" and "the first summer blockbuster arrived in January."
Plot Details and Release Information
The sequel continues the post-apocalyptic story with Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) entering a dangerous new relationship that could reshape their world. Meanwhile, Spike (Alfie Williams) faces a nightmare encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell). The official synopsis reveals that infected zombies no longer pose the greatest threat - human survivors have become far more terrifying.
Alex Garland returns as writer while the cast includes Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry. The film hits theaters January 16, 2026, with a third installment already in development to complete the trilogy.