“We Bury the Dead” is a 2025 zombie survival thriller written and directed by Zak Hilditch. It stars Daisy Ridley, Mark Coles Smith, and Brenton Thwaites. The plot centers on a woman who is desperate to find her missing husband, following her terrifying yet poignant journey as she confronts grief, loss, and the undead.
The story unfolds in Tasmania, Australia, where a tragic accident caused by the U.S. Government leads to a unique outbreak. Unlike typical zombie narratives, this outbreak causes only some of the deceased to return as a sort of zombie. A couple, who are experiencing relationship issues, become separated when the husband is away during the outbreak. The wife embarks on a terrifying journey to discover whether her husband is still alive or has perished, despite the authorities advising against it. The world has been turned upside down, and few know what to expect or how to cope with the situation.
This film takes a unique approach compared to most zombie-oriented films. There are no graphic scenes of people being eaten, and there is even speculation about whether the zombies can understand their condition or be restored to humanity. As the story unfolds, viewers accompany the protagonist on her journey, providing a more human narrative than one might expect when entering the theater.
The film explores themes of grief, uncertainty, and lost hope, revealing an intriguing story that unfolds with depth. The acting is quite good, particularly Daisy Ridley’s performance in the lead role. She portrays a woman who is aware of underlying issues in her marriage but is unsure of their nature. This reflects the internal conflicts many of us experience, particularly during challenging times. Just because circumstances are dire doesn’t mean they can’t worsen. The film prompts us to consider how we respond when things do get worse—a question that resonates with everyone.
While I see a lot of potential in “We Bury the Dead,” I also feel that the story could have been more developed. Is it a terrible movie? Not at all, but it ultimately feels like an average film. For that reason, I would give it a score of 5 out of 10. It’s decent for a TV-style movie, but could have been better suited for a theatrical release.