We Bury the Dead, written and directed by Zak Hilditch, first presents as a zombie thriller, but it unfolds into something quieter and more introspective.
Setting the Scene
After a catastrophic military disaster and a massive explosion in Australia, many people die. Ava (Daisy Ridley), a US citizen, volunteers to go over and help with recovering bodies. Through the organized ‘clean up’, we see how some of the dead become grayish zombies. Although Ava is a volunteer wanting to help, we know very well her only goal is to find her husband; alive, dead or undead.
Ava moves through a dense landscape with this single goal, to reunite with her husband, or at least, find closure. Along the way, she meets Clay (Brenton Thwaites), an unlikely friend whose presence offers moments of connection in a dangerous world. Mark Coles Smith completes a small but decent main cast, all of whom represent various elements of a frailed humanity.
We Bury the Dead places the zombie outbreak as a backdrop instead of its main premise. This is more a film about grief and not letting go than a survival film. The zombies are present and well-designed, but they are not really the focal point. The film’s real interest lies in what makes people hold on after loss, even when it seems illogical or becomes too dangerous.
Hye’s Thoughts on the Film
Much of my response to We Bury the Dead echoes a conversation I had after seeing it with a friend. We both agree the synopsis and trailer attempt to present us a zombie film rather than a character-driven drama.
Yes, there are zombies, and they look good. Yes, there are moments of tension. But this is not a zombie movie in the way most audiences understand the term. If you go in expecting something closer to Train to Busan or [REC], you may feel misled. The undead function as a backdrop element, a kind of device meant to lure viewers into what is more a dramatic film.
This not necessarily a problem, however, it is hard to ignore the mismatch between its marketing and the movie’s intent. For those who love zombie movies for the action, dread, and visceral stakes, something will feel missing.
There are moments when the movie leans into horror elements, and they work well. Early scenes of Ava navigating perilous areas with not much survival instinct create anxiety, even if they are a bit frustrating. As the story progresses, Ava becomes more desensitized to danger and her motivations push her to keep moving forward to the bitter end with some help from Clay.
I read that Hilditch wanted this film to focus more on the human factor; drawing on difficult themes and personal loss. In that respect, We Bury the Dead succeeds even when it feels like a slow burn.
We Bury the Dead is not about the end of the world. It is about going through extreme circumstances to reconcile with our loved ones and ourselves.
