I do agree with this take. I was a big fan of '28 Days Later' when it hit theaters. And I'm probably in the minority by liking '28 Weeks Later' even more (it has remained my favorite of the series). Admittedly, I was semi-disappointed with '28 Years Later' initially. Not sure if I expected more... or expected different... And the introduction of the Jimmies was so jarring and (seemingly) disjointed. But, somehow, it stuck with me. I though a lot about it in the few months after: "memento mori", the Jimmies, Dr. Kelson, the isolated survivors, alphas. Suddenly, I wanted to see what came next. At almost that exact point, boom - 'Bone Temple' was in theaters. I scrambled to make sure I saw it (difficult amidst lots of January ice and snow). I barely made it before it was out of theaters. Shame, because I absolutely feel that 'Bone Temple' was better than '28 Years Later'. It dives deeper, I think, and has much better acting (the scenes with Fiennes and O'Connell together were incredible). And even the barn scene was digestible - which, for me, says a lot, because I abhor and avoid torture porn (think 'Hostel', 'Texas Chainsaw', 'I Spit on Your Grave'). In the midst of the entire story, it made sense. Then, to end with the contrasting humanity of Jim (the OG) and his daughter Sam... excellent staging. As before I want to see what comes next. If they had not rushed things, if they had let things stew more, I think perhaps others would have felt drawn as I was, even overcoming my initial summer 2025 confusion and rejection of '28 Years Later'.
I was very confused when I saw info on the Bone Temple, having enjoyed the first 28 Years Later I wouldn’t consider myself a huge franchise fan but I really loved it actually. With no “Part 2” or any indication in the title that it was a sequel, I was under the impression that this was possibly a re-release or extended cut. It wasn’t until I went and did some Googling that I figured out it was a direct sequel, and you’re right in pointing out that the promo was so similar I really did think it was some kind of director’s cut when I saw the poster the first time.
Nah. The problem with bone temple is the cliffhanger that leads to it. "the Jimmies" are not a story people want to see more about. Either you have no idea what the jimmies are inspired by IRL, so you don't care to hear more about them, or you do and don't care to hear more about them cause the IRL inspiration is so gross.
Totally agree Jeff. This is the danger of treating movies like content drops instead of moments. Audiences need time to catch up, talk about what they saw, and understand what comes next. When that space disappears, even good films struggle. I’ve seen up close how pacing and clarity — not hype — are what actually carry films forward.
Agree on the timing, not lining up for success. Also, a very, very small thing, but the title doesn't quite line up. We've been conditioned to understand a sequel in this series as the next iteration (Days, weeks, years, then . . .) and it feels like by name, it doesn't quite fit in that way, too, which could also contribute to bringing in those outside of the circle of interest from the franchise.
When I saw the preview in the theater a few weeks ago, I honestly thought it was for a re-release of last summer’s film…It wasn’t until the scenes with the Jimmies that I realized it was for the new film…I agree; very poor marketing… I haven’t seen it yet; hopefully this weekend!
I do agree with this take. I was a big fan of '28 Days Later' when it hit theaters. And I'm probably in the minority by liking '28 Weeks Later' even more (it has remained my favorite of the series). Admittedly, I was semi-disappointed with '28 Years Later' initially. Not sure if I expected more... or expected different... And the introduction of the Jimmies was so jarring and (seemingly) disjointed. But, somehow, it stuck with me. I though a lot about it in the few months after: "memento mori", the Jimmies, Dr. Kelson, the isolated survivors, alphas. Suddenly, I wanted to see what came next. At almost that exact point, boom - 'Bone Temple' was in theaters. I scrambled to make sure I saw it (difficult amidst lots of January ice and snow). I barely made it before it was out of theaters. Shame, because I absolutely feel that 'Bone Temple' was better than '28 Years Later'. It dives deeper, I think, and has much better acting (the scenes with Fiennes and O'Connell together were incredible). And even the barn scene was digestible - which, for me, says a lot, because I abhor and avoid torture porn (think 'Hostel', 'Texas Chainsaw', 'I Spit on Your Grave'). In the midst of the entire story, it made sense. Then, to end with the contrasting humanity of Jim (the OG) and his daughter Sam... excellent staging. As before I want to see what comes next. If they had not rushed things, if they had let things stew more, I think perhaps others would have felt drawn as I was, even overcoming my initial summer 2025 confusion and rejection of '28 Years Later'.
I was very confused when I saw info on the Bone Temple, having enjoyed the first 28 Years Later I wouldn’t consider myself a huge franchise fan but I really loved it actually. With no “Part 2” or any indication in the title that it was a sequel, I was under the impression that this was possibly a re-release or extended cut. It wasn’t until I went and did some Googling that I figured out it was a direct sequel, and you’re right in pointing out that the promo was so similar I really did think it was some kind of director’s cut when I saw the poster the first time.
Great analysis. Such a bummer because Bone Temple is indeed excellent. Still thinking about it.
Nah. The problem with bone temple is the cliffhanger that leads to it. "the Jimmies" are not a story people want to see more about. Either you have no idea what the jimmies are inspired by IRL, so you don't care to hear more about them, or you do and don't care to hear more about them cause the IRL inspiration is so gross.
Totally agree Jeff. This is the danger of treating movies like content drops instead of moments. Audiences need time to catch up, talk about what they saw, and understand what comes next. When that space disappears, even good films struggle. I’ve seen up close how pacing and clarity — not hype — are what actually carry films forward.
Agree on the timing, not lining up for success. Also, a very, very small thing, but the title doesn't quite line up. We've been conditioned to understand a sequel in this series as the next iteration (Days, weeks, years, then . . .) and it feels like by name, it doesn't quite fit in that way, too, which could also contribute to bringing in those outside of the circle of interest from the franchise.
When I saw the preview in the theater a few weeks ago, I honestly thought it was for a re-release of last summer’s film…It wasn’t until the scenes with the Jimmies that I realized it was for the new film…I agree; very poor marketing… I haven’t seen it yet; hopefully this weekend!