Daisy Ridley Delivers a Haunting Performance in 'We Bury the Dead'
In this understated zombie thriller, Daisy Ridley proves once again that she's more than just a face from her Star Wars days. As Ava, a grieving widow searching for her husband in post-apocalyptic Tasmania, Ridley delivers a heart-wrenching performance that elevates this film above its undead horde.
The story begins with a catastrophic accident involving a US government blunder, killing half a million people in Tasmania. Among the dead is Ava's travelling husband, and she joins a team of volunteers to help with body retrieval, hoping to find his body amidst the chaos. Alongside her is brusque rule-breaker Clay (Brenton Thwaites), who agrees to join her on a perilous journey into uncharted territory.
As they navigate the treacherous landscape, Ridley's Ava remains focused on finding her husband, but she soon discovers that some of the dead are starting to wake up. The undead are more of a curiosity than a threat, and the film's tone is more contemplative than terrifying.
Ridley shines in this emotional drama, conveying the depth of grief and desperation through her facial expressions and body language. Her physicality is as impressive as her acting chops, making Ava a compelling and relatable protagonist.
However, the film's visuals and pacing are not without their flaws. Director Zak Hilditch struggles to find a consistent tone, veering wildly between moments of introspection and more conventional zombie action. The finale is underwhelming, but it's clear that Ridley's performance holds the film together.
Ultimately, 'We Bury the Dead' is a solid addition to the zombie genre, one that prioritizes character development over gory thrills. With Ridley at its helm, this film may not break new ground, but it's a welcome respite from the usual undead fare. If you're looking for a thoughtful and emotionally charged zombie movie, look no further.
The film is now available in cinemas in the US and to rent digitally in the UK, with an Australian release scheduled for February 5th.
In this understated zombie thriller, Daisy Ridley proves once again that she's more than just a face from her Star Wars days. As Ava, a grieving widow searching for her husband in post-apocalyptic Tasmania, Ridley delivers a heart-wrenching performance that elevates this film above its undead horde.
The story begins with a catastrophic accident involving a US government blunder, killing half a million people in Tasmania. Among the dead is Ava's travelling husband, and she joins a team of volunteers to help with body retrieval, hoping to find his body amidst the chaos. Alongside her is brusque rule-breaker Clay (Brenton Thwaites), who agrees to join her on a perilous journey into uncharted territory.
As they navigate the treacherous landscape, Ridley's Ava remains focused on finding her husband, but she soon discovers that some of the dead are starting to wake up. The undead are more of a curiosity than a threat, and the film's tone is more contemplative than terrifying.
Ridley shines in this emotional drama, conveying the depth of grief and desperation through her facial expressions and body language. Her physicality is as impressive as her acting chops, making Ava a compelling and relatable protagonist.
However, the film's visuals and pacing are not without their flaws. Director Zak Hilditch struggles to find a consistent tone, veering wildly between moments of introspection and more conventional zombie action. The finale is underwhelming, but it's clear that Ridley's performance holds the film together.
Ultimately, 'We Bury the Dead' is a solid addition to the zombie genre, one that prioritizes character development over gory thrills. With Ridley at its helm, this film may not break new ground, but it's a welcome respite from the usual undead fare. If you're looking for a thoughtful and emotionally charged zombie movie, look no further.
The film is now available in cinemas in the US and to rent digitally in the UK, with an Australian release scheduled for February 5th.