We Bury the Dead (2026) is a gripping zombie survival thriller directed by Zak Hilditch. But don’t expect a typical “run-and-gun” zombie movie—this one leans heavily into emotion, grief and human connection.
Starring Daisy Ridley in a powerful lead role, the film explores what happens when the line between the living and the dead begins to blur—not just physically, but emotionally too. Set against a haunting post-apocalyptic backdrop, it’s as much about loss and closure as it is about survival.
We Bury the Dead Movie Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | We Bury the Dead |
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Genre | Horror / Sci-Fi / Thriller |
| Director | Zak Hilditch |
| Writer | Zak Hilditch |
| Lead Cast | Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites, Mark Coles Smith |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Country | Australia / USA |
| Release Date | 2 January 2026 (Theatrical) |
| Distributor | Vertical |
| Rating | R (violence, gore, language) |
Cast
- Daisy Ridley – Ava
- Brenton Thwaites – Clay
- Mark Coles Smith – Supporting role
Daisy Ridley’s performance is widely considered the emotional backbone of the film, carrying much of the story on her shoulders.
Plot Summary
The story begins with a catastrophic military experiment gone wrong off the coast of Tasmania. A powerful weapon wipes out thousands of people instantly—but something even more terrifying follows.
The dead don’t stay dead.
Some begin to rise again.
Ava, a physiotherapist, travels into the restricted quarantine zone searching for her missing husband. Instead of becoming a hero with weapons, she joins a body retrieval unit, collecting corpses in hopes of finding closure.
But as she moves deeper into the devastated landscape, Ava realizes something disturbing—the reanimated dead are not just mindless zombies. Some seem… connected to their past lives.
Her journey slowly turns into a mix of survival, emotional reckoning and a desperate search for answers in a world that no longer makes sense.
Direction & Cinematography
Zak Hilditch doesn’t treat this as a traditional horror film. Instead, he builds a slow, atmospheric world where silence, emptiness and loneliness dominate the screen.
The cinematography captures burnt landscapes, empty towns and abandoned roads, creating a haunting mood that sticks with you.
Rather than relying only on jump scares, the film builds tension through emotional weight and unsettling realism.
Strengths
One of the film’s biggest strengths is how it redefines the zombie genre. Instead of focusing only on fear, it explores grief and emotional closure in a deeply human way. Daisy Ridley delivers a performance that feels raw and genuine, making Ava’s journey relatable even in a surreal situation. The visuals are striking, with post-apocalyptic landscapes that feel both beautiful and disturbing at the same time. The film also stands out because it treats zombies not just as monsters, but as people who were once loved, adding emotional depth rarely seen in this genre.
Weaknesses
Despite its originality, the film may not appeal to everyone. The pacing is slow, especially in the middle sections, which can feel dragging for viewers expecting constant action. At times, the story leans on familiar zombie tropes, which slightly reduces its impact. Some viewers may also feel that the emotional themes are stronger than the horror elements, making it less intense than typical zombie films.
Review
We Bury the Dead is not your typical zombie movie—it’s quieter, heavier and more reflective.
The film focuses less on survival and more on what it means to let go. Ava’s journey is emotional, sometimes even heartbreaking, as she searches for her husband in a world that has already moved on from life.
Critics have praised the movie for its unique approach and strong performances, especially Daisy Ridley’s role, though some have noted that the film struggles to balance its emotional depth with traditional horror expectations.
Overall, it feels more like a drama with zombies than a full-blown horror film.
Worth Watching or Not?
If you’re expecting a fast-paced zombie action film, this might not fully satisfy you. But if you enjoy thoughtful, emotional stories with a unique take on horror, then We Bury the Dead is definitely worth watching. It’s a slow-burn experience that stays with you after it ends, especially because of its emotional themes and powerful central performance.