In the new horror film We Bury the Dead, writer-director Zak Hilditch plunges audiences into a chilling zombie apocalypse that devastates Tasmania. The film’s premise, where an experimental weapon accidentally deployed by the United States Navy annihilates much of the island’s population, taps into contemporary anxieties and geopolitical tensions. The Australian Prime Minister’s outrage at this catastrophic mishap adds a layer of political drama to the narrative.
Hilditch, a Perth-based filmmaker known for his genre-bending work, combines elements of disaster and horror in a movie that is as much about the undead as it is about the living. The film also serves as a poignant exploration of grief, inspired by Hilditch’s personal experiences. “We Bury the Dead started as an exploration of grief, following the death of my mother,” Hilditch reveals. “I never in a million years thought that, by the end of writing the screenplay, I would have infused it with zombies.”
A Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Performances
Daisy Ridley, best known for her role in the Star Wars franchise, stars as Ava, an American physiotherapist who arrives in a heavily militarized Devonport. Her mission is twofold: to assist with the cleanup and to search for her husband, who was in Tasmania on business when disaster struck. Ridley’s performance is a masterclass in emotional depth, blending vulnerability with determination.
“This movie wouldn’t exist without an actress who could hold it in the quiet moments,” Hilditch comments on Ridley’s performance. “Daisy threw herself absolutely into every part of this role, making it more grandiose and more intimate.”
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Inspirations
Filmed in Hilditch’s home state of Western Australia, the movie features Brenton Thwaites as Clay, a motorbike-riding character who provides reluctant assistance to Ava. His character adds a touch of humor, with his use of colorful Australian slang. The film premiered internationally at SXSW after its debut at the Adelaide Film Festival, where it was met with enthusiasm.
Mark Coles Smith, known for his roles in Mystery Road: Origin and Beast of War, plays Riley, a police officer who intercepts Ava and Clay’s escape attempt. Hilditch describes Smith as “an absolute gun,” noting that the actor brought a unique intensity to his role.
The director drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Ira Levin’s play Veronica’s Room, which influenced one of the film’s most tense sequences. “Shooting that sequence was like making a whole different movie,” Hilditch says. “One minute we’re in the elements, wrangling zombies, then we’re making a Hitchcockian thriller.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Hilditch’s career has been marked by a balance between the apocalyptic and the intimate. His previous work, These Final Hours, explored similar themes of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. That film, which starred Nathan Phillips and Jessica De Gouw, was inspired by the impending doom of an asteroid strike.
Drawing on influences such as Peter Bogdanovich’s Paper Moon and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, Hilditch continues to craft narratives that resonate on a personal level. “I’ve always had a love of ordinary people dealing with the extraordinary,” he explains. “We Bury the Dead is that on a deeply personal, cathartic level.”
“Watching the film with audiences from Adelaide to Austin, this is what it’s all about,” Hilditch reflects on the film’s festival circuit journey.
As We Bury the Dead prepares for its nationwide cinema release, anticipation builds for what promises to be a monumental addition to Australian cinema. With its blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, the film is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
