Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense, bloody zombie horror-drama dissects grief, loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
We Bury the Dead
What's the Story?
WE BURY THE DEAD follows American physical therapist Ava (Daisy Ridley), who heads to Tasmania to find her husband after the Australian island is accidentally hit by an experimental U.S. weapon of mass destruction, supposedly killing everyone. But after she learns that some of the dead have been coming back "online," Ava hopes that her husband might be among those who still seem to have a shred of life left.
Is It Any Good?
This intense horror-drama is far more than just a "zombie movie." We Bury the Dead focuses more on the tragedy of loss, the hardship of navigating grief, and the irresponsibility of nations in creating weapons of war. In short, the film is much more human and, like its zombies, more slow-moving than an action-thriller zombie film.
Although some viewers may feel that Ridley's performance could have used a little more emotion, it's also true that some of Ava's tendency to be stoic is likely the result of her character's response to grief. And the story is realistically told; there's no one here to deliver quippy lines without any relatable pathos. Instead, characters are shown crying, throwing up, masking grief, and doing whatever they can to navigate large-scale loss. The story may well bring to mind real-world tragedies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps the best way to evaluate We Bury the Dead is as an analogy to what humans face in real life—and how we try to keep memories alive, long after our loved ones are gone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how We Bury the Dead addresses the topic of grief. How does Ava work through her grief? Which character strengths does she demonstrate in the process?
What do you think the film is saying about weapons of mass destruction? How does this story compare to others you've seen about events that take place after an apocalyptic event?
How are the zombies portrayed in the film? How does it compare to the way that zombies have been portrayed in other media?
What is the film saying about humanity? Community?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 2, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2026
- Cast : Daisy Ridley , Brenton Thwaites , Mark Coles Smith
- Director : Zak Hilditch
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Dystopia
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violent content, gore, language and brief drug use
- Last updated : January 14, 2026
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