The newest 28 Days Later film follows Spike, played by Alfie Williams, as he struggles to survive alone in a UK devastated by the Rage Virus.
Director Nia DaCosta, a lifelong horror fan, says she grew up watching the original 28 Days Later on repeat. When asked to direct this film, she arrived with a clear vision of honoring the franchise while bringing something new. “I have a lot of reverence for it,” she says, praising writer Alex Garland for expanding the story with 28 Years Later. She adds, “As a fan, I love when creators take a familiar story and bring it somewhere new. That feels brave and exciting.”
A key focus for DaCosta was the film’s main female character, Jimmy Ink, played by Erin Kellyman. With a striking blonde wig, Kellyman may seem different at first, but her role is central. Jimmy not only guides Spike’s survival but also serves as the moral heart of the story. DaCosta emphasizes that her character is vital to this film and the franchise as a whole.
While male actors like Cillian Murphy, Robert Carlyle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have often been at the forefront of the series, women have consistently driven the narrative. In the original film, Naomie Harris’s Selena frequently saves fellow survivor Jim, often proving more capable than him. For young female viewers at the time, seeing a strong, capable woman as part of the story was empowering.
Harris reflects on Selena’s lasting impact, saying her character’s strength came from necessity rather than bravado. “Playing a woman who was emotionally guarded, decisive, and unflinching felt instinctively radical,” she explains. That realism is part of why the film remains influential in the horror genre.
Audience demographics for horror films have shifted over the years. Analyst Brandon Katz notes that women, especially under 35, now play a key role in the success of major horror releases. Harris adds that with The Bone Temple and DaCosta at the helm, the timing feels significant.
Film critic Bethan Ackerley observes that the rise of female horror fans has coincided with more movies putting women at the center, including Get Out, Midsommar, and The Substance.
The Bone Temple has received positive reviews, holding a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised DaCosta’s direction, while actors like Ralph Fiennes have generated early awards buzz. With Danny Boyle hinting at potential future installments, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
