We Bury the Dead (2026 film) Movie Review and Story Overview
We Bury the Dead is a 2024 horror-drama film written and directed by Zak Hilditch. Blending emotional storytelling with post-apocalyptic horror, the movie stars Daisy Ridley, Mark Coles Smith, and Brenton Thwaites. Set against the haunting backdrop of Tasmania, the story follows a woman’s desperate search for her missing husband while navigating a world devastated by disaster and the undead.The film premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival in November 2024 before receiving a theatrical release in North America on January 2, 2026, and later in Australia and New Zealand on February 5, 2026.
Story Overview & PlotThe story begins after an experimental U.S. military weapon is accidentally detonated near Tasmania's eastern coast. The catastrophe destroys Hobart and leaves countless survivors brain dead. Soon, authorities discover that some of the victims are mysteriously regaining movement, returning as undead beings. While many become violent, others display strange and unexpected behaviors.Ava Newman, an American physiotherapist, travels to Tasmania in search of her husband Mitch, who was visiting the island when the disaster occurred. Joining a military recovery mission, Ava helps collect and identify bodies while hoping to uncover her husband's fate.Assigned far from the area where Mitch was last seen, Ava teams up with another volunteer named Clay. Determined to find answers, the pair abandon their official assignment and set out on a dangerous journey across Tasmania.A Dangerous JourneyDuring their travels, Ava and Clay encounter numerous threats, including hostile undead and a mysterious soldier named Riley. After rescuing them from an attack, Riley offers assistance but soon reveals unsettling behavior.
At his isolated home, Riley confesses that he has been studying the undead and believes those who return are driven by unfinished business from their lives. His obsession becomes increasingly disturbing, especially when Ava discovers that he has been keeping undead individuals captive for research.Realizing she is in danger, Ava escapes and continues her journey alone toward Woodbridge, where she believes Mitch may still be found.The Emotional CoreUnlike traditional zombie films focused solely on survival, We Bury the Dead explores grief, guilt, and unresolved relationships. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers learn about the growing strain in Ava and Mitch's marriage, caused by infertility struggles and mutual betrayals.When Ava finally reaches Mitch's location, she discovers painful truths about their relationship. Despite finding closure, she is forced to confront the reality that some wounds cannot be healed.Along the way, Ava witnesses unusual examples of undead behavior, including one deceased father calmly burying his own family rather than attacking the living. These moments reinforce the film's central idea that unfinished emotions may be influencing the undead.A Powerful EndingAs Ava and Clay begin their return journey, they encounter Riley's undead wife, Katie, who has somehow given birth after death. Following the sound of a crying infant, they discover a healthy newborn child hidden among ancient stone ruins.Remarkably, the baby shows no signs of the undead condition and appears completely normal. For Ava, who has long struggled with the loss of her dream of motherhood, the discovery becomes a symbol of hope in a world overwhelmed by death and despair.The film concludes on an emotional note, leaving audiences with a powerful message about redemption, healing, and the possibility of new life even in the darkest circumstances.Final ThoughtsWe Bury the Dead stands out from typical zombie movies by combining horror elements with deeply emotional storytelling. Rather than focusing only on scares and action, the film examines human grief, broken relationships, and the search for meaning after tragedy. Daisy Ridley's compelling performance and the film's unique approach to the undead make it a memorable addition to the modern horror genre.The film delves into important topics such as gender identity, LGBTQ+ rights, trans representation, and intersectionality, making it a landmark entry in the evolving landscape of inclusive filmmaking. With its neo-noir aesthetic, sharp direction, and emotionally charged performances, Ponyboi continues to generate buzz across film festivals, indie film circuits, and streaming platforms alike.
Daisy Ridley
Brenton Thwaites
Mark Coles Smith
Kym Jackson 
Matt Whelan
Salme Geransar
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