We Bury the Dead (2026) Movie Review and Story Overview
We Bury the Dead (2026) is an Australian-American horror thriller written and directed by Zak Hilditch. The film stars Daisy Ridley as Ava, a woman searching for her missing husband after a catastrophic military experiment. Produced by Penguin Empire Films and other production companies, the movie combines zombie horror with a story centred on grief, loss and survival.
The story follows Ava as she joins a body retrieval unit in the hope of finding her husband alive. The mission initially involves recovering bodies after a military disaster, but the situation becomes increasingly dangerous when the corpses begin showing signs of life. Ava's search eventually takes her into a quarantine zone where the dead have become a growing threat.
Daisy Ridley leads the film as Ava, with Brenton Thwaites playing Clay and Mark Coles Smith as Riley. The supporting cast includes Matt Whelan as Mitch, Kym Jackson as Lieutenant Wilkie, Elijah Williams as Greg, Chloe Hurst as Katie and Salme Geransar as Private Clarkson.
Zak Hilditch also wrote the screenplay, while Steve Annis served as cinematographer, Merlin Eden handled editing and Clark composed the original music. The film was produced by Kelvin Munro, Grant Sputore, Ross M. Dinerstein, Mark Fasano and Joshua Harris. Its production was completed in 2024, with Tasmania and Western Australia connected to the film's Australian production.
We Bury the Dead premiered during its festival run before receiving its North American theatrical release on January 2, 2026. It was subsequently released in Australia and New Zealand on February 5, 2026. The film has a runtime of approximately 95 minutes and is presented in English.
The film combines conventional zombie-horror elements with a personal story about a woman dealing with the uncertainty of losing someone she loves. As Ava moves through the increasingly dangerous quarantine zone, her search for her husband becomes intertwined with the threat posed by the reanimated dead. Through this combination of horror, thriller and emotional drama, We Bury the Dead presents a survival story built around grief and the consequences of a catastrophic military experiment.
The 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 Core Unlike 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 VerdictWe 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.
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