Full Breakdown
Daisy Ridley Stars in Upcoming Zombie Thriller *We Bury the Dead*
10/2/2025, 6:07:46 AM
Overview of *We Bury the Dead*
*We Bury the Dead* is an upcoming horror thriller film starring Daisy Ridley, best known for her role as Rey in the *Star Wars* franchise. Directed by Zak Hilditch, the film is set to be released in theaters on January 2, 2026. The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment in Tasmania, where the dead rise not just to wander but to hunt.
Plot Synopsis
The film follows Ava, portrayed by Ridley, who joins a "body retrieval unit" in a desperate search for her missing husband amidst the chaos of a deadly outbreak. As she navigates through a quarantine zone, Ava discovers that the undead are becoming increasingly violent and relentless. The official synopsis describes the military's misleading assurances that the undead are harmless, contrasting sharply with the horrifying reality Ava encounters.
Key Figures Involved
Daisy Ridley leads the cast alongside Brenton Thwaites, Mark Coles Smith, and Matt Whelan. The film is produced by Kelvin Munro, Grant Sputore, Ross M. Dinerstein, Joshua Harris, and Mark Fasano. Hilditch, known for his previous works such as *These Final Hours* and the Stephen King adaptation *1922*, aims to blend emotional storytelling with horror elements in this project.
Reception and Anticipation
*We Bury the Dead* premiered at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in March 2025, where it received positive feedback, earning an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 19 reviews. Critics have praised the film for its fresh take on the zombie genre, highlighting its emotional depth and the performances of the cast, particularly Ridley and Thwaites.
Official Statements
Daisy Ridley expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Zak has created a unique, terrifying tale about the undead and how far the living will go to reunite with their loved ones. I was thrilled to be part of bringing this nightmare to life and I can’t wait to share the movie with the world.” Director Zak Hilditch also shared his excitement, noting that the film has been a labor of love and he looks forward to a wider audience experiencing it.
Criticism & Opposition
While the film has garnered significant anticipation, some critics have pointed out the challenges of standing out in a saturated zombie genre, especially with upcoming releases like *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*. The competition may affect its box office performance, although its unique narrative approach could help it carve out a distinct identity.
What's Next
As the release date approaches, marketing efforts are expected to ramp up, aiming to position *We Bury the Dead* as a compelling entry in the horror genre. The film's initial reception at festivals may influence its promotional strategies leading up to its theatrical debut.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Says Ridley, “Zak has created a unique, terrifying tale about the undead and how far the living will go to reunite with their loved ones.” — Daisy Ridley, Actress
- “WE BURY THE DEAD has been a true labor of love since day one from everyone involved,” — Zak Hilditch, Director
*We Bury the Dead* promises to deliver a chilling and emotional journey, exploring themes of love and survival against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.
