The Wasteland Reviewer

We Bury the Dead (2025) Written Review

How many ways can filmmakers and storytellers present stories about zombies? This has been a horror subgenre for decades and has been through so many kinds of interpretations. The sources of the rising dead have changed plenty over the years but there are always certain elements that shine through all the new trappings. The story is never really about the dead, is it? It is about us. About humanity. That is certainly the perspective that writer/director Zak Hilditch is taking with his new horror/thriller that is launching the New Year and the month of January. We Bury the Dead is a harrowing tale of a woman desperate to find her husband (dead or alive or undead) in the aftermath of a terrible weapons accident that roared through areas of Australia.

How does Hilditch approach this classic zombie story? The atmosphere is something that stands out. There is a gritty and stark feel to this film and the whole environment shown on screen. Leaning into its Australian setting, there are certainly moments that feel so isolated and stark in the face of the rumbles of humanity. The setting and atmosphere fit well in a film where hope is distant and probably ill advised. But there is a small spark at the core of the film, and it radiates from Daisy Ridley’s Ava. This is a slow-moving and haunting experience that ratchets up the tension to deliver some good thrills and scares along the way. This is not the most unique vibes for a zombie film but there are a big emotional heft and weight to the film that fits the type of story Hilditch is telling. This is not pulpy or glorifying the bloody trappings of the experience. The violence is brutal and blunt in a way that shakes you instead of exciting you. This grim space is engrossing and Hilditch delivers some well staged, lit, and shot sequences that are satisfying. There is some dynamic work from behind the camera that elevates this film filled with scenes and beats.

Does the screenplay from Hilditch match his grim and sharp visualizations? This is where the film both soars and shudders. There are some rich themes about humanity sprinkled throughout the film that give the story some weight. As layers are pulled back on characters’ motivations and actions, there is a depth that is revealed thematically. We Bury the Dead stands out where it does because of that depth and complexity where other zombie films might fail. The film does feel a bit too loose for its own good and leaves the overall experience feeling a bit disjointed and clunky. But there are plenty of stagings and scenarios that allow for Hilditch to deliver some haunting and harrowing experiences for the characters and the audience. There are some bold swings this story takes that might be a challenge for some to process and accept but this boldness does set the film apart in some interesting ways. The whole might be uneven but there are plenty of scenes and sequences that stand out in Hilditch’s script.

How does the cast bring things together? Ridley offers up a subdued yet affecting performance that stands out for some good reasons along the way. She brings an emotional depth and presence to the film that is important to the core of the film. The humanity that she brings is essential as well in stark contrast with the undead (whose evolution throughout the film is a slow burn, giving the film space for some truly haunting moments). Brenton Thwaites is an interesting addition to the film as he offers up a more roguish presence that helps keep the audience on their toes. Ava is never sure about what Thwaites’ Clay will do next and that translates well for the audience as well. The clash in personality and essence makes them quite the interesting duo throughout the film. Mark Coles Smith becomes a standout for his unexpected and dangerous character which he brings to life so effectively. There are certainly plenty of others who pop up throughout the film doing a fine job, but the zombies are some of the more interesting performances. What is asked of them requires stillness and harsh shifts into mania and some of these actors really stand out because of their authentic ability to do just that.

Is We Bury the Dead a nice entry point for the horror onslaught that is January cinema? This is not a perfect or completely fresh take on a tired genre, but its strong elements come together to create a fine film. Hilditch is obviously passionate about zombie films and delivers a grounded and affecting atmosphere. Ridley is not flashy, but she does anchor this unexpected film quite well. The bursts of horror, tension, and thrills will certainly make those happy looking for a new zombie flick. The horror trappings and thematically beats are balanced and this film leaves you with some unexpected and heavy elements to process when those credits start rolling.