EW’s Must List: ’28 Years Later’ and More

Key Takeaways

• The awards season is off to a great start with Nikki Glaser and Chelsea Handler hosting the Golden Globes and Critics Choice, respectively.
• The sequel to 28 Years Later, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, sets the bar high for best movie scenes of 2026 with a memorable sequence featuring Ralph Fiennes and Iron Maiden.
• The BritBox series Riot Women is an endearing and emotional show that follows a group of women who form a punk band to sing about being middle-aged and menopausal.
• David Byrne’s cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s "Drivers License" is a must-listen for fans of both Stop Making Sense and Sour.
• The debut novel Dandelion Is Dead by Rosie Storey is a thrilling story about a woman who pretends to be her dead sister on a dating app and falls in love.
• The musical Masquerade is a mind-blowing guided tour that reimagines Phantom of the Opera as a immersive experience with Broadway stars performing up close.

Introduction to Awards Season
The awards season is off to a great start, thanks to the delightful hosting jobs by Nikki Glaser at the Golden Globes and Chelsea Handler at the Critics Choice. The momentum is expected to continue with Conan hosting the Oscars in March. The success of these events is a testament to the power of great hosting, and it’s clear that the right host can make all the difference in making an awards show memorable and enjoyable. With the Golden Globes and Critics Choice already setting the bar high, it will be exciting to see how the rest of the awards season unfolds.

The Sequel to 28 Years Later
The sequel to 28 Years Later, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is already generating buzz with its memorable sequence featuring Ralph Fiennes and Iron Maiden. The film’s director, Nia DaCosta, has applied her unique cinematic vision to the horror property, and the result is a thrilling and visually stunning movie. The story, written by Alex Garland, leans into the oddities of the world, and DaCosta takes full advantage of the visuals. The film also features a memorable performance by Jack O’Connell, who takes on another genre role after Sinners. The combination of DaCosta’s direction, Garland’s story, and O’Connell’s performance makes 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple a must-see for horror fans.

Riot Women: A Punk Rock Series
The BritBox series Riot Women is an endearing and emotional show that follows a group of women who form a punk band to sing about being middle-aged and menopausal. The show, created by Sally Wainwright, hits all the right notes and is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartwarming and inspiring story. The show’s themes of female empowerment and self-expression are timely and relevant, and the music is catchy and memorable. With its talented cast and crew, Riot Women is a show that will resonate with audiences and leave them feeling uplifted and energized.

David Byrne’s Cover of "Drivers License"
David Byrne’s cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s "Drivers License" is a must-listen for fans of both Stop Making Sense and Sour. The song, which features Byrne’s distinctive vocals, is a haunting and emotional rendition of the original. Byrne’s voice brings a new level of depth and nuance to the song, and his performance is both healing and uplifting. The cover is a testament to Byrne’s versatility and talent as a musician, and it’s a great example of how a well-crafted cover can breathe new life into a familiar song.

Dandelion Is Dead: A Debut Novel
The debut novel Dandelion Is Dead by Rosie Storey is a thrilling story about a woman who pretends to be her dead sister on a dating app and falls in love. The novel, which touches on themes of delusion and desire, is a page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is both romantic and suspenseful, and Storey’s writing is engaging and evocative. With its unique premise and compelling characters, Dandelion Is Dead is a must-read for fans of romance and suspense.

Masquerade: A Mind-Blowing Musical
The musical Masquerade is a mind-blowing guided tour that reimagines Phantom of the Opera as an immersive experience with Broadway stars performing up close. The show is a unique and thrilling experience that combines music, dance, and theater to create a truly unforgettable experience. With its talented cast and crew, Masquerade is a must-see for fans of musical theater and Phantom of the Opera. The show’s immersive format and stunning performances make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will leave audiences in awe.