MOVIE REVIEW | We Bury the Dead – We Bury the Dead takes the zombie genre and flips it on its head, offering a fresh and gripping take on the often over-saturated narrative.
Directed by Zak Hilditch (1922, These Final Hours), this survival thriller sets itself apart by blending horror, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, while maintaining an undercurrent of subtle, yet impactful storytelling.
Starring Daisy Ridley, known for her iconic role in the Star Wars franchise, the film centres on Ava, a woman in the devastated aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment. Tasked with working in a body retrieval unit in the ravaged landscape of Tasmania, Ava’s search for her missing husband takes a terrifying turn as the corpses they collect start to show signs of life.
What initially begins as a mission of recovery turns into a desperate fight for survival, as the line between the living and the dead becomes increasingly blurred. Ridley is nothing short of perfect in her portrayal of Ava, bringing emotional depth and vulnerability to the role, while maintaining the strength and determination needed for the character’s intense journey.
While the film fits into the zombie genre, Hilditch’s approach is anything but conventional.
The zombie elements weren’t even part of the original script, which is a testament to the film’s focus on human emotions and the psychological toll of trauma and loss.
This choice keeps the film from relying too heavily on gore and jump scares, allowing it to slow down and take its time to explore the internal struggles of its characters. At its heart, We Bury the Dead is about grief, hope, and survival in a world where death can no longer be trusted to stay dead.
Brenton Thwaites, known for his role in Titans, gives a standout performance, complementing Ridley’s nuanced portrayal with his own heartbreaking depiction of a man trying to find a purpose in a world falling apart. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their emotional journey is the film’s strongest suit. Mark Coles Smith also shines in a supporting role, rounding out the talented cast that brings this tense, atmospheric thriller to life.
While We Bury the Dead is slow-paced at times, this deliberate pacing allows for a more emotionally rich narrative. The film’s quiet moments, where Ava’s grief and desperation take centre stage, are as chilling and powerful as the horrific sequences involving the zombies. The eerie, unsettling nature of the undead is further amplified by the film’s haunting visuals, filmed in Albany and Western Australia’s Great Southern region, which lends an otherworldly, desolate feel to the film’s apocalyptic setting.
Perhaps what makes We Bury the Dead stand out the most is its willingness to mix genres. It’s part zombie film, part psychological thriller, and part character study.
The “zombie” moments are more than just grotesque creatures; they are deeply emotional, sometimes tragic, and evoke empathy as much as they evoke fear. This innovative approach transforms what could have been another run-of-the-mill thriller into something more profound.
In a surprising twist, the film also features a brief cameo from Survivor host David Genat, who adds an extra layer of local flavour for Australian audiences. It’s a small yet fun moment that adds personality to the overall experience.
Despite some critiques about its slower pacing, which might not be to everyone’s taste, We Bury the Dead proves to be a passionate, thought-provoking film.
It’s a cinematic journey that will linger in the mind long after the credits roll, with its eerie atmosphere, intense performances, and unexpected emotional weight. Hilditch’s most ambitious project to date, this film will appeal to anyone looking for a zombie thriller that challenges expectations, both emotionally and narratively.
We Bury the Dead is set for theatrical release in Australia and New Zealand on February 5, 2026, and if this intense, emotionally charged film is anything to go by, it’s sure to be one of the standout thrillers of the year.
We Bury the Dead – in cinemas from 5 February, 2026
Link to Umbrella Entertainment HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
MOVIE REVIEW | We Bury the Dead
Rating
Aaron: 8 / 10 “We Bury the Dead is a gripping, emotionally rich zombie thriller that stands out in the genre“
Zak: 6 / 10 “We Bury the Dead is a slow but ambitious thriller with emotional depth“
Synopsis:
Written and directed by Perth born Zak Hilditch (1922, These Final Hours), We Bury the Dead is set in the aftermath of a devastating military experiment and follows Ava (Daisy Ridley) a desperate woman who volunteers for a body retrieval unit in a decimated Tasmania, hoping to find her missing husband. But as the unit begins its grim task, the corpses show signs of movement – and Ava’s search spirals into a terrifying battle for survival.
The film also stars Brenton Thwaites (Titans) and Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin) alongside Ridley (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens) in what has been described as Hilditch’s most ambitious feature film to date.
The film made its world premiere at the iconic South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas earlier this year, and was a finalist for the CinefestOZ Film Festival $100,000 film prize.We Bury the Dead was filmed in Albany and Western Australia’s Great Southern region last year.
Writer-Director Zak Hilditch said:
“We Bury the Dead was a true labour of love from everyone involved and I can’t wait to finally unleash the film on audiences in all its glory. The people of Albany were a huge part of making this a reality and we couldn’t have done it without the entire town opening their arms to us.”
Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said:
“It’s fantastic to see Western Australian Writer-Director Zak Hilditch’s strong, intense storytelling, coupled with having Daisy Ridley in the State for production of We Bury the Dead. Not only will audiences from all over the world see Western Australia on the big screen, but the local film industry has seen incredible benefits from the economic spin-off of this production.”
Screenwest also supported Hilditch’s debut feature These Final Hours through West Coast Visions more than a decade ago, helping to launch his film career. West Coast Visions is designed to uncover, inspire and develop talented first-time feature film directors in Western Australia with support for a debut feature film for theatrical release.
Production credit: Produced by Kelvin Munro and Grant Sputore for WA production company, The Penguin Empire, alongside Ross Dinerstein (Campfire Studios), and Joshua Harris and Mark Fasano (Gramercy Park), Executive producers are Nathan Klingher and Ford Corbett (Gramercy Park), Nicholas Erickson, Sean Fannan and D.J. Jiang (Giant Leap Media) and Ari Harrison and Jeff Harrison (Umbrella).
We Bury the Dead received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund. The film was financed with support from Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund.
Cinema Experience:
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the magic of cinema under the stars, Luna Outdoor Cinema in Leederville delivers just that. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Leederville precinct, the outdoor cinema offers an unforgettable setting for a perfect summer’s night of film. With its intimate atmosphere, a stunning line-up of films, and exclusive pre-screening events, it’s the perfect place to escape and enjoy some of the hottest award-winning films.
The season kicked off with an impressive selection, featuring some real crowd-pleasers like Hamnet, Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet, and Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon. But the true highlight for Perth audiences was the screening of We Bury The Dead, the latest film from local director Zac Hilditch. This screening was made even more special with a Q&A session featuring Hilditch himself, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the filmmaking process and the creation of this intense, emotionally charged thriller.
On a warm, 28-degree evening, we opted for the beanbag seating, which was perfect for reclining under the stars.
The relaxed vibe and the gentle cool breeze made for a fantastic setting to immerse ourselves in a great film. And as an added treat, the premiere event for We Bury The Dead included free pizza and nibbles for guests, which was a delightful bonus. The candy bar offered all the classic favourites, making it feel like a real cinematic celebration.
The only minor hiccup in an otherwise perfect evening was the location. Luna is situated in the bustling heart of Leederville, an area known for its lively restaurants and bars. While this adds to the area’s charm, the sounds of nearby revellers enjoying their night out were occasionally audible during the quieter moments of the film. It didn’t detract too much from the experience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re after total serenity during the film.
Another small note for improvement: while the staff were friendly and attentive, one drink lid wasn’t quite secure, leading to a small mishap.
But with the great service and the atmosphere at Luna, this was quickly forgotten.
Overall, Luna Outdoor Cinema is the perfect destination for a night of outdoor entertainment. With its stunning venue, great film selection, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers something special for movie lovers. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a night at Luna Outdoor Cinema in Leederville is a memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
In short, Luna Leederville is a cinema with undeniable character and community spirit—but one that could benefit greatly from a little modern TLC.
