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A new Australian horror film, We Bury the Dead, is set to release in cinemas on February 5. The film, directed by Zak Hilditch, centres around the aftermath of a catastrophic event in Tasmania caused by a US military experiment.

A Return to Apocalyptic Themes

Zak Hilditch, known for his 2013 film These Final Hours, returns to the apocalyptic genre with We Bury the Dead. While These Final Hours depicted a global catastrophe, the new film focuses on the devastation confined to Tasmania, where 500,000 people perished due to the experimental electromagnetic weapon detonation.

Did You Know? Zak Hilditch previously directed two features in the US before returning to Australia for We Bury the Dead.

The Story Unfolds

The film follows Ava, played by Daisy Ridley, who travels to Tasmania as a volunteer to assist with the disposal of the corpses. However, her primary motivation is to discover the fate of her husband, Mitch (Matt Whelan), who was in the area when the disaster struck. Rumors of the deceased returning to life add another layer of complexity to the situation.

Grief and the Apocalypse

We Bury the Dead explores themes of grief and mourning in the context of an apocalyptic scenario. The film suggests that mourning is both a public and private process, and the allegorical possibilities allow for reflection on historical events, such as the impact of European settlement on Tasmania’s original inhabitants.

Expert Insight: Hilditch’s work demonstrates a recurring strength in Australian cinema – grounding apocalyptic imagery in everyday realities, a pattern first established by films like Mad Max. This approach allows for a more relatable and impactful exploration of disaster and its consequences.

The film also features Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith, and incorporates music from Amyl and the Sniffers. While it may not possess the same energy as Hilditch’s earlier work, These Final Hours, it offers a more contemplative take on the zombie genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is We Bury the Dead about?

We Bury the Dead is a zombie thriller set in Tasmania after a US military experiment causes widespread death. It follows a woman searching for her husband amidst the chaos and the grim task of disposing of the bodies.

Who directed We Bury the Dead?

We Bury the Dead was written and directed by Zak Hilditch, who also directed These Final Hours.

Who stars in We Bury the Dead?

The film stars Daisy Ridley, Matt Whelan, Brenton Thwaites, and Mark Coles Smith.

As the film explores the aftermath of a devastating event, what role do you think collective memory and public response play in the process of healing and rebuilding?