Imagine a world where a zombie apocalypse isn’t just a far-fetched fantasy but a chillingly plausible scenario—one that unfolds not in a distant land, but right in the heart of Tasmania. This is the gripping premise of Zak Hilditch’s latest horror masterpiece, We Bury the Dead. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if this apocalyptic nightmare was triggered by a blunder of epic proportions, courtesy of the United States Navy? Spoiler alert: it’s not just the zombies that are terrifying.
In a plot that feels eerily ripped from today’s headlines, the U.S. Navy accidentally deploys an experimental weapon off the coast of Tasmania, decimating the island’s population. The Australian Prime Minister is livid, and the world is left reeling. Hilditch, a Perth-based filmmaker known for his genre-bending storytelling, blends disaster and horror seamlessly, creating a widescreen spectacle where the undead refuse to stay buried. But this isn’t just a zombie flick—it’s a deeply personal exploration of grief, loss, and the unshakable weight of unfinished business.
And this is the part most people miss: Hilditch’s inspiration for the film stemmed from his own experience with loss. After his mother’s death, he grappled with grief and trauma, channeling those emotions into a story that’s as much about survival as it is about healing. ‘I never imagined zombies would become part of this journey,’ Hilditch admits. ‘But the idea of unresolved matters kept haunting me.’
Enter Daisy Ridley (Star Wars), who delivers a powerhouse performance as Ava, an American physiotherapist with a hidden agenda. On the surface, she’s in Tasmania to aid in the cleanup of the devastated island. In reality, she’s on a desperate mission to find her husband, who was visiting when the apocalypse struck. Ava’s journey is a rollercoaster of vulnerability, determination, and sheer terror, and Ridley’s layered portrayal is nothing short of remarkable. ‘Daisy’s ability to convey so much in the quiet moments is what makes this film unforgettable,’ Hilditch notes.
But Ava isn’t alone in her quest. She’s joined by Clay, a motorbike-riding Aussie bogan played by Brenton Thwaites (Titans). Clay’s foul-mouthed humor—complete with C-bombs that might make American audiences blush—adds a jarring yet hilarious contrast to the grim backdrop. ‘Americans couldn’t get enough of Brenton,’ Hilditch laughs. ‘Clay’s the embodiment of the Aussie stereotype they love to imagine.’
Their breakout attempt is complicated by Riley, a cop played by Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin), whose presence adds another layer of tension to the already nail-biting narrative. Hilditch spent four days filming the most intense sequence in a creepy old house, drawing inspiration from Ira Levin’s Veronica’s Room. ‘It felt like making a completely different movie,’ he says. ‘One minute we’re wrangling zombies, the next we’re crafting a Hitchcockian thriller.’
Hilditch’s career has always balanced the apocalyptic with the intimate, and We Bury the Dead is no exception. ‘I’ve always been fascinated by ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances,’ he explains. ‘This film takes that theme to a deeply personal, cathartic level.’ Echoes of his breakout hit, These Final Hours (2013), are evident, particularly in its exploration of human resilience in the face of doom. That film, starring Nathan Phillips and Angourie Rice, also drew from unexpected influences, like Peter Bogdanovich’s Paper Moon and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later.
Here’s the bold question: Is We Bury the Dead just another zombie flick, or is it a profound meditation on grief and survival? Hilditch’s answer is clear: it’s both. The film is witty, wicked, and emotionally wrenching, a monumental addition to Australian cinema. After a successful festival run, Hilditch is eager to share it with audiences nationwide. ‘Seeing people react to the film is why I do this,’ he says. ‘It’s about telling stories and connecting with others.’
We Bury the Dead is now in cinemas. But don’t just watch it—experience it. And when you do, ask yourself: What would you leave unresolved if the world ended tomorrow? Let’s discuss in the comments—agree or disagree, I want to hear your thoughts!
