This article contains massive spoilers for “28 years later: The Temple of Bones”.
More than 20 years after humanity was first infected with the Rage virus, we finally know a lot more about its effects on humans and how humanity might cope with it, thanks to “28 Years Later: The Temple of Bones.” The virus was first introduced to us in Danny Boyle’s Downright Special Zombie Movie ’28 Days Later’ in 2002. Last year, “28 Years Later” showed us what a world ravaged by this virus looks like almost three decades later. In many ways, it’s hopeless. But the latest installment in the franchise offers a glimmer of hope for those infected and those who must live alongside them.
“28 Years Later” Ended on a Really Crazy Notewith Spike (Alfie Williams) meeting Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his gang, seemingly taking him under their wing. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) had to tend to his growing Bone Temple. The sequel, directed by Nia DaCosta (“The Wonders,” “Candyman”) pulls on these two different threads, which converge as the film’s insane climax arrives.
Dr. Kelson’s part of the first two acts sees him develop a very unique relationship with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), the imposing alpha zombie we met in the last film. By injecting him with morphine and other drugs, Kelson discovers that not only can Samson become docile, but that there are still traces of humanity residing within him, including language. This inspires Kelson to try something bold; treat the virus.
What’s happening changes the entire nature of the franchise as we know it, suggesting a possible endgame as this trilogy ends.
Dr. Kelson found a way to treat the rabies virus
As Kelson explains, the Rage virus cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treated. As the morphine runs out, he makes a final effort to mix various drugs that can treat Samson’s “symptoms”, perhaps restoring his humanity and removing the rage within him caused by the virus. As we see early in the film, the Rage virus actually gives the infected horrifying visions, which is a large part of why they attack the living. It’s not just blind bloodlust.
The craziest part of all is that Kelson’s experiment works. We see that Samson, at the end of the film, is close to human again. We see shades of memories from his past – he was a rabid zombie for most of his life. However, its human side is still there once the symptoms of the virus are treated. Samson, being an alpha, essentially proves that virtually everyone infected could also be treated, if Kelson’s recipe could be replicated and administered safely. This is where the problem lies.
’28 Years Later’ Reveals Most of the World Is Virus-Freethe UK being isolated and riddled with infected people. They have no contact with the outside world and would have no way of explaining to the world that the infection can now be treated. In the United Kingdom, as it exists, the supply of medicines is very limited to allow adequate treatment of the population. We are left with a much better understanding of how the Rage virus works and evidence that it can be treated, but the odds are still stacked against humans, for a variety of reasons.
Could the third film 28 years later offer a happy ending?
The biggest problem, aside from limited resources, is the fact that Dr. Kelson dies at the hands of Jimmy at the end of the film after reuniting with Spike. All knowledge about treating the Rage virus died with it. Certainly, Kelson took notes and we know that Samson is still alive, but that death threatens any hope of widespread treatment.
The return of Cillian Murphy as Jim is ready for the end of “The Bone Temple”, as her return crosses paths with Spike and Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman), who fled to make their way after Jimmy Crystal was seemingly left for dead. Is it possible that Spike can lead Jim to Kelson’s temple and they discover these precious notes? Is it possible that Samson will run into Jim and reveal what Kelson did? Could the set pieces lead to a happy ending by the end of the third film? It’s not impossible.
This franchise hasn’t exactly been filled with optimism. Much of it has been very dark and this new film is no exception, but this deeper exploration of the Rage virus offers hope that wasn’t previously available in this universe. Whether Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland decide to build on that hope or let it die remains to be seen, but this film fundamentally changes the nature of everything that has come before and what will follow.
“28 Years Later: The Temple of Bones” is currently in theaters.
