First Reactions for Ralph Fiennes' Horror Sequel Call It the Best Movie of 2026 (So Far)

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We’re not even fully through January, but horror fans might already have their movie of the year. Early reactions to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple are dropping, and the initial response is pretty much unanimous: it's a classic. The post-apocalyptic sequel — directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland — stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry, and it hits theaters on January 16. A third and final movie is already in development, which makes this whole moment feel even bigger.

Story-wise, the movie picks up in a world where the infected aren’t even the scariest thing anymore. Fiennes plays Dr. Kelson, who gets pulled into a shocking new relationship that could reshape what’s left of humanity. Meanwhile, Williams’ Spike crosses paths with O’Connell’s Jimmy Crystal — a nightmare of a human being who sounds like he might be worse than any zombie. The official synopsis puts it bluntly: in this world, “the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying” than the virus itself.

What Are The First Reactions to '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'?

One of the loudest reactions came from X user @ragingmotelfire, who lost all chill about it:

“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!”

Collider’s Ross Bonaime was just as hyped, especially about how the movie blends emotional weight with absolute nightmare fuel:

“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.”

O’Connell, in particular, is getting dragged (in a good way) for playing what some are calling an even more vile villain than his Sinners character — without the excuse of being a vampire this time. That’s commitment. Another early viewer 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.”

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens in theatres on January 16, 2026.