After a catastrophic military disaster, the dead don't just rise, they hunt. Ava searches for her missing husband, but what she finds is far more terrifying.
Director: Zak Hilditch
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Mark Coles Smith, Brenton Thwaites, Kym Jackson, Matt Whelan
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated R for strong violent content, gore, language and brief drug use.
Runtime: 1h 34m
Review:
We Bury the Dead is a mediative zombie film that’s far more interested in the emotional toll of loss than endless gore embodied by a nuanced turn from its star Daisy Ridley. Aussie director, Zak Hilditch, delivers a road movie set in a postapocalyptic environment in the same vein as his 2013 hidden gem These Final Hours. They bear his distinctive style uses the set up as a means to explore deeper issues of loss and acceptance that the central character struggles with during their trek. The post catastrophe set up feels grounded in reality with shades of Romero scattered throughout with the accidental explosion of an experimental weapon setting off the action. The gun hoe attitude of the local military to the dead that “wake up” should feel fairly familiar to anyone familiar with classic Romero film with a few flourishes added for good measure, you’ll hear grinding teeth long after you leave the theater. Those looking for a healthy bit of zombie action will likely be left wanting more as there are scant few moments offered up with most subverting expectations in terms of how they play out. This film is more concerned with Daisy Ridley’s character search for her husband and closure with bits and pieces about their relationship reveals over the course of the story. Ridley is a study in subtly as she creates a multilayered character who thrust herself into this harrowing journey for a variety of reasons. She maintains a strong façade but there’s a sense that it could quickly shatter any moment thanks to the immeasurable loss she carries and lingering questions. It’s a propulsive performance that carries the film over some of the rougher, more familiar moments that would feel clichéd in lesser hands. Brenton Thwaites, in full surfer dude mode, and Mark Coles Smith make the most of their screentime in supporting roles. Thwaites is clearly having a ball in the role with the film, feeling his loss when he disappears for a good portion of it. Mark Coles Smith also delivers strong work as solider who offers to assist the pair on their trek although there’s an immediate sense that something is not quite right with his character. Ridley has strong chemistry with both even though both bring different energy to the film and her character in general. Ultimately, We Bury the Dead is more of a character study than an outright zombie flick which may turn off a portion of the audience expecting something more visceral.
B
