Not necessarily a good zombie film, but as an overall film with an emotional journey that just happens to take place in an area of undead, it has some very entertaining moments. This one is out now on Blu-ray.
“After a catastrophic military disaster, the dead don’t just rise—they hunt. The military insists they are harmless and slow-moving, offering hope to grieving families. But when Ava (Daisy Ridley) enters a quarantine zone searching for her missing husband, she uncovers the horrifying truth: the undead are growing more violent, more relentless, and more dangerous with every passing hour.”
Zak Hilditch’s We Bury the Dead is an interesting Australian-American zombie thriller that delivers on some dramatic aspects and quite a few standout qualities, but ultimately held back by mismatched expectations. The unique premise sets it apart from typical undead fare: an experimental American electromagnetic weapon accidentally detonates off the coast of Tasmania, wiping out hundreds of thousands with some kind of neural failure, the side effects not entirely understood, with some victims re-animating in a basic and primal way. This military accident backdrop cleverly avoids the usual viral outbreak or ancient curse, grounding the horror in a plausible, near-future catastrophe that feels disturbingly real.
What the film succeeds at most is using that setup not for endless gore and chases, but to tell a poignant story about loss, grief, and relationships. Daisy Ridley’s Ava volunteers for a body retrieval unit in the devastated zone, driven by the desperate hope of finding her husband Mitch amid the chaos. The journey becomes an emotional exploration of mourning, fractured bonds, and the small human connections that persist even in apocalypse. These quiet moments between survivors carry real weight, turning what could have been another mindless zombie flick into something more reflective.
What may be off-putting to some viewers is that it’s heavily marketed as a straight-up zombie-type film, but that element is really just the setting. There isn’t much traditional zombie-related stuff here, no hordes overwhelming barricades, no constant survival action. The undead appear sparingly, and the focus stays firmly on Ava’s personal quest. If you’re coming in expecting wall-to-wall horror set pieces, you might feel shortchanged.
Despite the modest budget, We Bury the Dead never feels low-budget. The impressive effects on the reanimated bodies, the striking Tasmanian locations, from eerie abandoned towns to vast, desolate landscapes, and thoughtful set designs create a convincing, immersive world that keeps you invested. Ridley delivers a grounded, heartfelt lead performance, supported by solid work from Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith.
Video
The Blu-ray presents the film in crisp 1080p High Definition in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The desolate Australian vistas and shadowy interiors look atmospheric and detailed, with natural color grading that enhances the grim mood without artificial pop. Contrast holds up well in both bright daylight retrieval scenes and darker night sequences. Overall, a clean, transfer that does justice to the production’s strengths.
Audio
Audio comes in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, delivering immersive surrounds for wind-swept plains, distant reanimations, and tense ambient dread. Dialogue stays clear and centered, while the understated score builds quiet unease effectively. It’s a balanced mix that suits the film’s more emotional tone.
Special Features
No extras or Digital Code included with this release.
We Bury the Dead on Blu-ray is a thoughtful, well-crafted effort that shines brightest when it leans into grief and human connection rather than zombie mayhem. The unique military accident origin and impressive production values make it worth a spin if you’re in the mood for something slower and more reflective in the genre. This one is out now and earns a quiet recommendation for patient horror fans.