Humans as Monsters - "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" - Ralph Fiennes Shines in The Bone Temple with a Haunting Dance and Brutal Showdown
Ralph Fiennes stars in The Bone Temple, the latest instalment of the 28 Days Later franchise. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film shifts away from Danny Boyle’s original vision, though he remains as producer. The story centres on Fiennes’ character, Dr. Kelson, whose eerie solitude and twisted bond with an infected man, Samson, drive the narrative forward.
The sequel blends horror with unexpected moments, including a striking dance sequence between Kelson and Samson. Behind the camera, DaCosta brings a fresh perspective, while Fiennes delivers a performance that anchors the film’s emotional and violent climax.
Dr. Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, lives in seclusion, surrounded by a shrine made of human bones. His only companion is Samson, an infected man he controls with tranquiliser-tipped arrows. Their strange relationship becomes the film’s emotional core, offering fleeting glimpses of hope amid brutality.
The plot also follows the Jimmies, a savage gang led by Jack O’Connell’s Sir Jimmy Crystal. Crystal, a cult leader convinced Kelson might be the devil, terrorises both the infected and survivors. Alfie Williams returns as Spike, now a member of the Jimmies, whose violent rampages lack depth but escalate toward the film’s explosive finale.
In a surprising twist, Fiennes and Samson share an impromptu dance—a moment the actor reportedly enjoyed filming. The scene contrasts sharply with the film’s darker themes, including Crystal’s satanic rituals and relentless bloodshed. When the Jimmies finally confront Kelson, Fiennes’ performance in the climactic battle leaves a lasting impact, while O’Connell’s portrayal of Crystal adds a chilling intensity.
The Bone Temple hinges on Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Dr. Kelson, whose isolation and bond with Samson shape the film’s tone. Nia DaCosta’s direction introduces new elements, from the macabre shrine to the unexpected dance, while the Jimmies’ violence sets the stage for the final confrontation.
The sequel leaves audiences with a mix of emotional weight and visceral horror, cementing Fiennes’ role as the franchise’s new focal point. Jack O’Connell’s villainous turn and the film’s climactic battle ensure its place as a standout entry in the series.
