ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Review of Australian Zombie Thriller 'We Bury the Dead' Premiering at Festivals

opinion-review · 2026-03-29

Director Zak Hilditch's disaster-horror film 'We Bury the Dead' follows physiotherapist Ava, played by Daisy Ridley, who volunteers for body retrieval in Tasmania after a catastrophic weapon accident destroys Hobart. The film features Brenton Thwaites as Clay and Mark Coles Smith as soldier Riley, exploring survival amid reanimated corpses. Premiering at the Adelaide Film Festival in 2024, it will be available digitally in the UK starting February 2, 2026. The production showcases extensive practical effects and cinematography, blending grim scenarios with dark humor.

Key facts

  • Film directed by Zak Hilditch, starring Daisy Ridley and Brenton Thwaites
  • Premiered at Adelaide Film Festival 2024, UK digital release February 2, 2026
  • Set in Tasmania after a fictional weapon accident destroys Hobart
  • Combines disaster and zombie genres with dark comedic elements
  • Features practical effects by Hayley Atherton and prosthetics by Jason Baird

Entities

Artists

  • Zak Hilditch
  • Daisy Ridley
  • Brenton Thwaites
  • Mark Coles Smith
  • Matt Whelan

Institutions

  • Umbrella Entertainment
  • Australian Defence Force

Locations

  • Tasmania
  • Hobart
  • Devonport
  • Adelaide
  • UK

Sources