‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Is Gut-Ripping and Gut-Wrenching. Plus: Mona Fastvold on ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’! - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 1 hr 49 min

Guests: Mona Fastvold

Summary

Sean and Amanda, joined by Chris Ryan, dive into the visceral world of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' and later, Sean speaks with Mona Fastvold about her ambitious project 'The Testament of Ann Lee'.

What Happened

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, with guest Chris Ryan, engage in a deep dive into Nia DaCosta's '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'. They appreciate its intense horror elements and how it builds upon the post-apocalyptic narrative of its predecessors. Ray Fiennes' performance is highlighted as daring and flexible, contributing significantly to the film's gripping nature.

The film, written by Alex Garland, is set in a post-apocalyptic Britain, exploring themes of evolution and survival amidst a rage virus. The narrative includes cult-like leadership dynamics and a dramatic conclusion with a crucifixion scene. Notably, the movie employs music from bands like Iron Maiden and Radiohead to enhance its atmosphere.

The hosts briefly assemble a Ralph Fiennes Hall of Fame, citing his roles in 'Schindler's List', 'The English Patient', and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' as iconic. They discuss how his versatility and depth bring complexity to his characters, making him a favorite among the hosts.

Attention shifts to Mona Fastvold's 'The Testament of Ann Lee', a speculative portrait starring Amanda Seyfried. The film intricately weaves historical elements of the Shaker movement with Fastvold's unique storytelling approach, offering a complex and mature narrative.

Sean interviews Mona Fastvold, who describes her fascination with Ann Lee and the Shakers, noting how their radical beliefs influenced her storytelling. Fastvold discusses the challenges and advantages of independent filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of creating intimate, community-driven film sets.

Fastvold shares insights into the creative process, including co-writing the screenplay with Brady Corbet and the intricate choreography and music that align with the Shaker movement's ecstatic dance sequences. Amanda Seyfried's dedication to her role is also highlighted, having learned woodworking and perfected her accent for authenticity.

Key Insights

• '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' incorporates music from Iron Maiden and Radiohead to enhance its post-apocalyptic atmosphere, a unique choice for a horror film set in a virus-ravaged Britain.
• Ralph Fiennes' performance in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' is noted for its daring and flexibility, adding depth to the film's portrayal of cult-like leadership dynamics.
• Mona Fastvold's film 'The Testament of Ann Lee' integrates historical aspects of the Shaker movement with a speculative narrative, featuring Amanda Seyfried who learned woodworking and an authentic accent for her role.
• The screenplay for 'The Testament of Ann Lee' was co-written by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, featuring intricate choreography and music aligned with the Shaker movement's ecstatic dance traditions.