Premiering at this year’s SXSW, ‘We Bury The Dead’ stands out as a brilliant, edge-of-your-seat horror film that expertly blends psychological tension with visceral terror. Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, the film is a masterclass in suspense, exploring grief, love, and the chilling consequences of humanity’s desperate attempts to tamper with life and death.
The story centers on a woman, played with subtle intensity by Daisy Ridley, who joins a “body retrieval unit” after a disastrous military experiment leaves Tasmania in ruins and all of its residents dead. Desperate to find her husband’s body, Ridley’s character embarks on a harrowing journey through the wreckage, only to find that the dead aren’t as lifeless as she thought. As corpses start showing signs of life, the film delves into unsettling territory, turning her mission into a nightmare of survival and discovery.
Zak Hilditch crafts a slow-burn narrative, that gradually tightens the tension as the true horror of this new reality unfolds. His direction is precise, maintaining an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Hilditch also does a fantastic job of balancing the human element of the story with its traditionally horror-esque aspects, ensuring that the audience remains emotionally invested in Ridley’s character and her quest for answers.
Credit: Steven AnnisRidley’s performance is nothing short of exceptional. She conveys her character’s deep emotional turmoil with equal parts stoicism and subtle despair, from the desperation of her search to the horror she encounters as the bodies around her begin to show signs of life. Ridley truly brings depth to the film, grounding its fantastical elements with real human vulnerability. Opposite her, Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith deliver strong supporting performances, adding layers to the film’s complex themes of survival, sacrifice, and what it means to be truly alive.
The film’s pacing is spot-on, and its unsettling visuals are a testament to Hilditch’s skill at creating an atmosphere of dread without ever relying too heavily on gore. One could argue that the pacing falters a bit during what seems to be a fourth act, but on retrospect it is an important prologue to the film. Somehow mixing comedy and tragedy in the final minutes of running time makes the film both unique and more powerful. During it all, though, ‘We Bury The Dead’ continually taps into existential fears—what happens when the boundaries between life and death become blurred, and can we ever really escape the consequences of our actions?
SXSW audiences were captivated by *We Bury The Dead*, and for good reason. It’s a horror film that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying, with performances and sequences that linger long after the credits roll. Zak Hilditch has truly delivered a unique and haunting cinematic experience, and this is one to watch for horror fans and general movie fans alike.
In short, ‘We Bury The Dead’ is a must-see for those who appreciate horror films that offer both visceral thrills and emotional depth.
