🪦We Bury the Dead (2026): Daisy Ridley Battles Grief & the Undead in Zak Hilditch’s Zombie Survival Thriller

The zombie genre has seen countless interpretations, but Zak Hilditch’s We Bury the Dead takes it to an unsettling and deeply emotional level. Blending raw human grief with terrifying undead horror, this survival thriller pushes audiences into a haunting story about love, loss, and what it means to keep going when the world itself has fallen apart.

The Story

Set in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment gone wrong, We Bury the Dead introduces us to Ava Newman (Daisy Ridley), a woman torn apart by the disappearance of her husband. Determined to find him, Ava joins a body retrieval unit (BRU) assigned to collect fallen soldiers. But what begins as a grim search for closure quickly transforms into a waking nightmare when the corpses they are meant to bury… start to rise.

Unlike traditional zombie tales, Hilditch weaves a story where the walking dead are more than just monsters—they’re a chilling reflection of trauma, grief, and the consequences of human desperation.

Cast & Performances

• Daisy Ridley as Ava Newman – Known for her resilience and strength in the Star Wars saga, Ridley brings emotional intensity to Ava, portraying both her vulnerability and unshakable determination.

• Mark Coles Smith as Riley – A grounded presence in the chaos, bringing grit and humanity to the survival team.

• Brenton Thwaites as Clay – Adds depth as another figure caught between loyalty, fear, and survival instincts.

• Matt Whelan as Mitch and Kym Jackson as Lt. Wilkie round out a strong ensemble cast that underscores the human drama within the horror.

Behind the Scenes

Directed and written by Zak Hilditch (1922, These Final Hours), the film continues his exploration of bleak, emotional landscapes. With cinematography by Steve Annis and an atmospheric score by Clark, the movie leans into gritty realism and tension rather than over-the-top gore.

Produced by The Penguin Empire, Campfire Studios, Gramercy Park Media, and Giant Leap Media, We Bury the Dead was shot in Australia and the United States, blending stark rural backdrops with military horror aesthetics.

Festival Premiere and Release

The film made its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in March, where it drew attention for its mix of zombie horror and character-driven storytelling.

• October 9, 2025 – Limited theatrical release in Australia and New Zealand via Umbrella Entertainment.

• January 2, 2026 – Scheduled US release through Vertical.

With a runtime of 94 minutes, the film promises a tight, nerve-wracking journey into the unknown.

Why We Bury the Dead Stands Out

Unlike traditional zombie flicks that rely on spectacle and survival tropes, We Bury the Dead is just as much about emotional survival as physical survival. At its heart, it is the story of a woman confronting grief and loss in the most horrifying circumstances possible. The undead here are more than creatures—they are manifestations of personal and societal breakdown.

By anchoring the horror around Ava’s personal journey, the film gives us a reason to care about every chilling moment. Daisy Ridley’s portrayal is set to be one of her most raw and powerful performances yet.

Final Thoughts

We Bury the Dead is shaping up to be one of the most intense and thought-provoking zombie survival films of the decade. With its blend of emotional storytelling, gritty atmosphere, and unrelenting horror, it’s a movie that will appeal not just to fans of the genre but to anyone drawn to stories about resilience in the face of impossible odds.

As we approach its January 2026 US release, it’s clear that Zak Hilditch’s vision is more than just another zombie thriller—it’s a chilling meditation on grief, humanity, and the things we cling to when everything else has crumbled.