I had the privilege of catching We Bury the Dead at an unforgettable screening at Luna Outdoor in Perth, surrounded by the cool night air and the buzz of excitement. The event was made even more special with the presence of writer-director Zak Hilditch, along with several cast and crew members. To top it off, we were treated to a warm introductory message from Daisy Ridley herself, expressing her gratitude to Australian audiences.
From the opening moments, We Bury the Dead distinguishes itself by refusing to follow the typical zombie frenzy formula. Instead, director Zak Hilditch crafts a thoughtful, character-driven story where the undead serve as a powerful backdrop to the emotional core of the film; grief, loss, and the struggle to move on. Anchored in the aftermath of a catastrophic military disaster in Tasmania, the film follows Ava (Daisy Ridley), a grieving physiotherapist volunteering with a body retrieval unit in hopes of finding her missing husband.
Daisy Ridley’s performance is quite magnetic. She delivers a subtle but powerful portrayal of Ava, seamlessly shifting from fierce determination in tense survival sequence to tender vulnerability in moments of raw grief.
What truly elevates We Bury the Dead is its contemplative approach. The undead aren’t just mindless monsters; they represent loved ones who can’t be let go, forcing characters—and viewers—to confront the importance of burying the dead, both literally and metaphorically. The film has a quiet, thoughtful vibe that allows its message about healing after profound loss to resonate deeply, without ever feeling preachy.
There are genuine thrills here too: tense chases, unsettling sequences (including one chilling garage encounter and a particularly eerie dance-related moment), and bursts of action that keep the pulse racing. The runtime is perfectly paced at just the right length, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining momentum.
In a genre often dominated by gore and spectacle, We Bury the Dead stands out as a smarter, more emotionally resonant entry. It asks us to think about grief, compassion, and letting go—ideas rarely explored so poignantly in zombie cinema. All in all, this Australian gem is a haunting triumph. If you’re open to a zombie film that’s as much about the living as the dead, We Bury the Dead is well worth seeking out.
Q&A SCREENINGS WITH DIRECTOR ZAK HILDITCH
Join us in the Luna Outdoor as we welcome Perth director Zak Hilditch for two exclusive special Q&A event screenings of his latest film We Bury the Dead following the screening. Hosted by the Curb’s Andrew Peirce. Enjoy a complimentary slice of Siena’s Pizza and $5 Rocky Ridge Luna Lager* as the sun sets, before settling in for a survival thriller that pushes the boundaries of horror and human endurance.
Q&A with Director on Wednesday, February 11, in Luna Outdoor
Tickets selling fast!
Doors: 6:30pm
Film: 7:30pm
*Thursday, February 5 in Luna Outdoor (Film Only)
Doors: 6:30pm
Film: 7:30pm
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