Daisy Ridley stars in the gripping new zombie film, “We Bury the Dead,” directed and written by Zak Hilditch. Set to be released on January 2, 2026, the film presents a fresh take on the zombie genre, offering viewers an intriguing storyline that, while entertaining, leaves them craving more depth.
As the new year begins, horror enthusiasts can look forward to “We Bury the Dead,” which stands apart from the typical zombie fare. This film diverges from the conventional narrative of a viral outbreak. Instead, it explores a chilling scenario where the undead arise from the catastrophic results of military experiments near Tasmania, Australia. A new weapon accidentally causes mass casualties, leading to a humanitarian crisis as volunteers rush to assist in recovery efforts. Amidst this chaos, some of the deceased inexplicably revive, appearing more as lost souls than the typical horror monsters, creating a unique atmosphere of tension and intrigue.
The protagonist, Ava, portrayed by Ridley, is driven by a personal mission. Her husband was attending a business retreat in the vicinity when the disaster struck, prompting her to join the recovery efforts with the hope of finding him among the revived. Accompanied by fellow volunteer Clay, played by Brenton Thwaites, Ava’s journey through quarantined territories becomes increasingly perilous. The story ramps up as she realizes that those who have returned become more dangerous over time, intensifying the stakes as she nears her husband’s last known location.
Despite the film’s brisk 90-minute runtime, it manages to build suspense effectively, blending emotional depth with terrifying moments that resonate well with the audience. Ridley’s performance stands out, seamlessly navigating her character’s complex emotions and adding significant weight to the film’s narrative. She brings a raw vulnerability to Ava, anchoring both the emotional core and thrill of the movie.
While the film offers a compelling narrative, it struggles to fully develop some of its most intriguing themes. It touches upon grief and the quest for closure, yet the exploration feels surface-level at times. The story often reverts to familiar horror tropes, which can detract from the novel ideas initially introduced. Ava’s backstory remains somewhat underdeveloped, and her motivations sometimes emerge through awkward expositions rather than organic storytelling.
In spite of these shortcomings, “We Bury the Dead” remains engaging and fast-paced, ensuring that viewers are captivated until the credits roll. It may not break new ground in the zombie genre, but its unique premise and Ridley’s strong performance make it a film worth watching. For fans of zombie flicks, this new entry provides a blend of thrills and emotional resonance, demonstrating potential even if it doesn’t fully realize it.