In the thrilling horror film 'We Bury the Dead', directed by Zak Hilditch, Tasmania becomes the epicenter of a zombie apocalypse. The story unfolds as a result of a U.S. Navy experiment gone awry, unleashing chaos on the island. Hilditch, a Perth-based filmmaker, masterfully blends disaster and horror genres, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit amidst the undead. The film explores the profound impact of grief, deeply personal and cathartic, as Ava, played by Daisy Ridley, embarks on a journey of loss and determination. Ava, a physiotherapist, arrives in Devonport, a militarized zone, aiming to escape and find her missing husband. Her character's layered performance captivates, blending vulnerability, determination, and shock, mirroring the film's emotional depth. The plot thickens as Ava encounters Clay, a motorbike-riding bogan, played by Brenton Thwaites, who aids her escape. Their journey is soon interrupted by Riley, a copper, portrayed by Mark Coles Smith, adding tension and intrigue. Hilditch's direction shines in this sequence, drawing inspiration from Ira Levin's 'Veronica's Room', creating a Hitchcockian thriller. The film's success lies in its ability to balance the apocalyptic and the intimate, a signature of Hilditch's career. 'We Bury the Dead' draws inspiration from his breakthrough 'These Final Hours', a survival story amidst an asteroid strike, and the odd-couple dynamic from 'Paper Moon'. Hilditch's love for ordinary people facing the extraordinary is evident, resulting in a witty, wicked, and emotionally charged Australian film. The film's festival run has been a triumph, and Hilditch eagerly awaits its release in cinemas, eager to engage with audiences and witness their reactions.
