We Bury the Dead SXSW Review

There are only so many ways you can approach a subject before it starts to feel like a “been here, done that” type of situation. As a consumer of that subject, you start to recognize the tropes and predict exactly where things are headed. That’s why, when something comes along that finds a fresh angle on an otherwise worn-out concept, it can be exciting. Zak Hilditch accomplishes this with his new film, bringing a great story about death and the need for closure into the well-worn zombie genre.

Off the coast of Tasmania, the U.S. military accidentally sets off an experimental weapon, killing every living thing on the island. Among those casualties is Mitch (Matt Whelan), the husband of Ava (Daisy Ridley). After hearing of the disaster, Ava arranges to join the cleanup effort, hoping to find closure. Once she arrives, she is assigned to the body retrieval unit, whose job is to go house by house and building by building, pulling out bodies and placing them on the sidewalks for burial. The problem is, not all of them are truly dead—some are reawakening. Per protocol, the retrieval units are instructed to use flares to signal the military to step in.

For Ava, though, this job is just a means to get to her husband, who is 200 miles south in an area still off-limits due to fires. She refuses to accept that she can’t reach him. With her retrieval unit partner, Clay (Brenton Thwaites), she steals a motorcycle and begins her journey. Along the way, they encounter Riley (Mark Coles Smith), a soldier struggling with the loss of his wife, as well as the reawakened dead—who are becoming increasingly violent. None of this deters Ava, who clings to the hope that her husband will be one of the lucky ones.

Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, We Bury the Dead doesn’t waste time establishing a sense of spectacle, offering a unique take on what makes a zombie “go.” In this world, reanimation isn’t immediate—it happens in stages, and the longer the dead are reanimated, the more dangerous they become. They may look lifeless, but their most unsettling feature isn’t their appearance—it’s the sound of their chattering teeth, a noise that lingers long after the scene ends.

We Bury the Dead breathes fresh life into the zombie genre, delivering unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression. While the film is highly watchable, it could have been even stronger had it leaned more into its most fascinating ideas instead of relying on familiar themes of grief. That said, Daisy Ridley’s performance is a standout. While we don’t learn much about Ava outside of what others say about her, Ridley brings depth to the role, especially in her silent moments—her desperation radiating through her eyes.

Visually, the film is stunning, from its haunting locations to its terrifyingly unique take on zombies. In a genre that often feels overdone, We Bury the Dead brings new energy, making it a must-watch for fans of the living dead.