Episode 109: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Michael and Dave dissect 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the most visually ambitious and thematically rich installment in the iconic 28 Days Later franchise. They explore the film’s eerie cult narrative, psychological undercurrents, and the shifting horror dynamics that turn humans into the real monsters. With Nia DaCosta in the director’s chair and Alex Garland returning as writer, the film blends horror, satire, and surprising moments of hope. A rich conversation for fans of speculative horror and social allegory.

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🎬 Cast & Crew Details – Who Made This Film and Why It Matters

• Director: Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels, Little Woods)

• Writer: Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men, 28 Days Later)

• Cinematographer: Sean Bobbitt (12 Years a Slave, Widows, Hunger)

• Key Cast:

  • Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson – a monument builder and reluctant scientist

  • Alfie Williams as Spike – a returning survivor struggling with identity

  • Jack O’Connell as Jimmy Crystal – the chilling, charismatic cult leader

  • Chai Lewis-Perry as Samson – a towering infected in the midst of transformation

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⏱️ Timestamps & Topics – Your Guide Through the Conversation

Time	Topic
00:00	Opening Banter & Setting the Stage for Bone Temple
00:41	Introducing the Film – Context Within the Franchise
01:19	Directorial Approach: Nia DaCosta’s Vision & Filmography
02:24	Comparing to 2025’s 28 Years Later – Evolution or Echo?
04:18	Characters Returning & The Cult of the Jimmies Introduced
07:34	Revisiting the Franchise’s Viral Origins & Setting
10:01	Plot Overview: Bone Temples, Cults, and Scientific Obsession
10:44	Cinematography Upgrades & Visual Tone Shifts
13:26	Danny Boyle’s Influence & Where DaCosta Departs
15:38	Narrative Tightness vs. Thematic Breadth
16:23	Box Office Woes & The "January Dump" Conspiracy
17:35	Jimmy Crystal as a Breakout Villain
18:18	Spoiler-Free Reviews: Performances, Style, and Reception
21:46	Ralph Fiennes’ Complex Turn as Dr. Kelson
23:32	Missteps in Marketing & Missed Opportunities
26:20	Themes vs. Advertising: What the Film Really Offers
27:26	Final Thoughts and Personal Ratings

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⚠️ Spoiler Discussion Highlights – Deeper Themes, Arcs, and Revelations

• The Jimmies as Symbol & Horror:
  The gang discusses how the Jimmies reflect societal decay, inspired by the real-life figure of Jimmy Savile. Their cultish behavior and unflinching cruelty mirror deeper fears about manipulation, lost innocence, and the rot at the core of community leadership.

• Samson’s Redemption Arc:
  A standout element of the film, Samson’s transformation from infected monster to near-human symbolizes the potential for recovery even in corrupted bodies and minds. His scenes with Dr. Kelson evoke tenderness, contrast with the Jimmies’ savagery, and challenge the notion of what makes someone "monstrous."

• Human Evil vs. Infected Violence:
  The conversation explores how the infected, though dangerous, follow instinct—while the Jimmies choose cruelty. This blurs the line between traditional "monster" narratives and moral horror, echoing themes from Lord of the Flies and The Road.

• Visual Juxtaposition of Horror and Beauty:
  Bone temples, lush landscapes, and surreal moments (like cloud-gazing while high) create a strange harmony. These sequences ask whether beauty can exist in a world of collapse and whether healing is possible amid trauma.

• Cultural Legacy & Genre Evolution:
  Dave and Michael reflect on how the 28 franchise redefined the zombie genre, and how Bone Temple may mark a new phase—one that values emotional depth and psychological horror as much as jump scares.

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Mentioned in this Episode:

• Films: Candyman (2021), Widows, Red Dragon, Gangs of London, Deluge (1933)

• Cultural Figures: Jimmy Savile, Mr. Rogers

• Literary/Genre References: Lord of the Flies, The Walking Dead, Mad Max, Godzilla

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