’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Ending, Explained

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The story begun in 28 Years Later has concluded with The Bone Temple, and there’s a lot to discuss. More than two decades after the original film, director Danny Boyle, writer Alex Garland, and new director Nia DaCosta have created a large-scale sequel. It explores what the world looks like 28 years after a deadly virus caused the collapse of society.

Continuing right after the end of 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple sees Spike falling in with the dangerous crew of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. At the same time, Dr. Ian Kelson notices something strange: his tranquilizer darts, which contain morphine, have an unusual effect on the aggressive Alpha, Samson, sparking his investigation into a possible viral cure.

Did Ian Kelson Cure the Rage Virus in Samson?


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After four films in the series, The Bone Temple does something unusual for zombie horror: it introduces a potential cure. Instead of killing Samson, the scientist Kelson decides to study him, discovering the virus doesn’t destroy the mind, but rather suppresses it. Kelson realizes the human brain remains intact and can be reached through treatment, successfully using antipsychotic medication on Samson. Earlier in the film, we saw through Samson’s eyes that the virus makes infected individuals believe those around them are dangerous enemies.

After receiving morphine, Samson stops feeling paranoid and becomes more aware of his surroundings. The antipsychotic medication leads him to a train station – a key location from the film 28 Years Later – where it’s revealed he was when the viral outbreak began. Returning to this place while medicated helps him understand what happened. He quickly regains full consciousness, but finds himself trapped and surrounded by infected people.

Samson’s revival brought a surprising benefit: he remembered being infected, and kept his incredible size, strength, and immunity to the virus. He easily fought his way through the infected and returned to the Bone Temple, finding Dr. Kelson near death. Recognizing Samson by name brought Kelson peace, knowing his work might ultimately help restore the world, and allowing him to die with a sense of accomplishment.

Cillian Murphy’s ’28 Days Later’ Return & Sequel Set-up, Explained


Searchlight Pictures

Cillian Murphy, who first starred in 28 Days Later, is back in that world after winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer. The new film reveals his character, Jim, stayed in the house from the original movie and now has a daughter, likely with Selena. However, Selena is nowhere to be seen, leaving her fate a mystery. Jim is teaching his daughter about history, highlighting how mistakes are repeated, which connects to the original outbreak and hints at what might happen in future installments.

It looks like a third film in the 28 Years Later series is happening! The story could bring together Jim and his daughter with Spike and Kelly, and resolve plot lines involving the pregnant Cathy, Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and the community Spike comes from. The recent films have expanded the franchise’s story in interesting ways, setting up a potential grand finale. Good news for fans: Alex Garland is writing the script, and Danny Boyle is expected to direct.

What Happens to Sir Jimmy, Spike, and Kelly


Sony Pictures Releasing

When Kelson discovers Spike is one of the Jimmys, he tries to turn the tables on Sir Jimmy, demanding a crucifixion as a sacrifice. The situation quickly spirals out of control, resulting in numerous deaths and serious injuries, with only Spike and Kelly surviving. True to his inverted cross symbol, Jimmy is crucified upside down, leading to a disorienting final moment as he loses blood. In his dying moments, he hallucinates and believes Samson is Satan, a fitting end for his troubled life, and cries out for his mother. Spike and Kelly, meanwhile, simply leave the Bone Temple and eventually reunite with Jim and his daughter after traveling together for a while.

‘The Bone Temple’s True Meaning, Explained


Sony Pictures

Beyond the main story, The Bone Temple offers a lot to unpack, and while some threads will continue in the next movie, this installment is still significant on its own. The film ends with Jim quoting Winston Churchill – “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” – a line that’s key to understanding what happens in 28 Years Later. We previously saw the immediate impact of the outbreak in 28 Days Later, and then watched the US military briefly regain control of London before another outbreak occurred. Now, with Kelson’s cure, the world is on the verge of a fresh start. The question is, how will it react?

Dr. Kelson’s deep compassion often put him at risk, ultimately leading to his death. However, this empathy allowed him to heal even the most severely infected. Combining medical knowledge from the old world, Kelson didn’t just revive Samson; he transformed him into something new – a sort of evolved human with enhanced strength and immunity. Much like the biblical Samson, who gained superhuman power from a divine source and performed incredible feats like killing a lion, this new Samson is far more than just restored to health.

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The film draws heavily on biblical stories, particularly with the character of Kelson initially presented as a Satan-like figure. However, by the end, Jimmy Crystal seems to truly embody evil, spreading chaos and pain throughout the destroyed world. This leads to interesting comparisons: could Spike and Kelly be seen as Adam and Eve, having been deceived by Crystal? It’s a complex interpretation, and trying to map the characters directly onto biblical figures might be a stretch, but the parallels are definitely there.

After 280 years, these characters will be revered as gods by the people of a small village built on the remains of the old world.

The story uses parallels to biblical tales to create a foundational mythology for this world. If Kelson’s cure results in a rebirth and a new society, he essentially becomes a god-like figure, and the Bone Temple stands as a tribute to his achievements. Similar to how the world wars are discussed, The Bone Temple presents a repeating cycle of history. Humanity has fallen before, and with each new world, figures like Kelson and Samson will be remembered as legendary heroes – the basis for myths and stories in whatever society emerges. While ‘memento mori’ reminds us of death – something Kelson expected – his actions have ironically made him immortal. Centuries later, these characters and their deeds could be worshipped as divine by a small village built on the remnants of the old world.

This story is fundamentally about understanding others. From the start, when Kelson began working with Samson, there was a feeling of dread, as if things would end badly. I initially hoped he would end Samson’s suffering, especially considering the fear he caused in the previous film. However, I was mistaken. Kelson’s strong sense of right and wrong, and his bravery, bring something rare to the world: a sense of hope.



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2026-01-16 21:34