In a unique blend of genres, “We Bury the Dead” presents itself as both a poignant exploration of grief and an unconventional zombie movie. Directed and written by Australian filmmaker Zak Hilditch, the film stands apart from traditional zombie narratives, offering a reflective and atmospheric take on the undead phenomenon.
Set in a dystopian world following a devastating global war, the plot centers on the accidental release of a weapon that leaves Tasmania in turmoil. Here, Ava, played by Daisy Ridley, known for her role as Rey in the “Star Wars” franchise, joins a body retrieval team. Despite her affiliation with the group, Ava harbors a personal mission: to locate her husband, who went missing during a work trip to the area.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as it reveals that not all bodies are truly lifeless. Some of the deceased exhibit signs of life, leading to moments of danger for the retrieval team. The military has instructed the volunteers that the zombies are brain dead, authorizing them to eliminate those that show any movement, but Ava remains hopeful that her husband could be among the living dead.
As Ava teams up with her partner Clay, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites, they navigate the treacherous landscape littered with both corpses and the threat posed by the living. The film delves deeper into themes of loss and resilience, slowly uncovering that the real peril may arise from human interactions rather than the zombies themselves. Through Ava’s courageous journey, viewers witness a touching portrayal of the struggle to cope with loss amidst chaos.
With a running time of one hour and 34 minutes, “We Bury the Dead” is rated R due to its language, sexual situations, and gory content. The film offers a fresh perspective on the zombie genre, making it a compelling addition to the cinematic landscape as the new year unfolds. It is now available in theaters, and audiences can catch a glimpse of its haunting atmosphere in the trailer.