I did not sleep well: Complaints to IFCO over age classifications for Hamnet and 28 Years Later sequel
By Lila Roberts, Entertainment Editor April 21, 2026
The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) has received multiple complaints regarding the age classification of two recent films: the stage adaptation of Hamnet and the horror sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Viewers have expressed concern that the classifications assigned to these works do not adequately reflect their content, particularly in terms of intense themes and disturbing imagery.
According to reports from The Journal, one complainant specifically stated, “I did not sleep well” after viewing 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, citing the film’s graphic violence and unsettling atmosphere as reasons for their distress. The individual argued that the film’s 16+ classification was too lenient given its intense sequences involving cult activity, infection-related horror, and psychological tension.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, released in January 2026, is the direct sequel to 28 Years Later (2025) and the fourth installment in the 28 Days Later franchise. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film continues the story of Spike, a young boy adopted into a satanic cult led by the character “Sir Lord” Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. The film likewise features Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry in key roles.
The film was released by Sony Pictures Releasing through its Columbia Pictures label, opening in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2026, and in the United States on January 16, 2026. It has a runtime of 109 minutes and was produced on a budget of $63 million, grossing $58.5 million worldwide.
Despite its commercial performance, the film has drawn criticism from viewers who believe its classification underestimates the impact of its content. Complaints to IFCO have highlighted specific scenes involving ritualistic violence, sudden jump scares, and prolonged sequences of dread as potentially unsuitable for younger teenagers, even with parental guidance.
Similarly, the stage production of Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel and adapted for the theatre, has also drawn complaints regarding its age rating. Audiences have noted that the play’s exploration of grief, loss, and the emotional toll of plague-era isolation contains deeply affecting moments that may not be appropriate for all age groups, despite its current classification.
IFCO is responsible for classifying films and, in some cases, stage productions for public exhibition in Ireland. The organization evaluates content based on themes such as violence, horror, sex, language, and drug apply, assigning age ratings intended to guide parents and viewers. However, the recent complaints suggest a growing concern among audiences that the current classifications for these two works do not fully account for their psychological intensity and emotional weight.
As of April 2026, IFCO has not announced any changes to the classifications of either Hamnet or 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. The office typically reviews complaints on a case-by-case basis and may request a re-evaluation if sufficient evidence is presented regarding misclassification.
The debate over age classifications continues to reflect broader discussions about how audiences process traumatic or intense content in media. While ratings systems aim to provide guidance, individual sensitivity varies widely—particularly in the aftermath of global events that have heightened public awareness of mental health and emotional well-being.
For now, viewers are advised to consult detailed content warnings alongside official classifications when deciding whether these works are suitable for themselves or younger audiences.