Zombies, a cultural phenomenon, mirror their cinematic portrayals with an enduring vitality that captivates and terrifies. The enduring appeal of these undead creatures prompts a deeper inquiry: why do they persist in our collective imagination? What symbolic significance do they hold, and what primal fears do they evoke? Disaster films, like 'We Bury the Dead', invite us to confront our potential reactions in dire scenarios while mirroring the anxieties of our time, marked by climate change and global turmoil. The current era is replete with zombie-themed narratives, from the critically acclaimed 'The Last of Us' to the hauntingly beautiful '28 Years Later'. Now, Zak Hilditch's 'We Bury the Dead' emerges as a poignant and haunting exploration of this theme.
Hilditch, both the writer and director, skillfully navigates the challenge of reinventing the zombie genre. A mysterious electromagnetic weapon detonates off the coast of Tasmania, leaving the island's population frozen in time, akin to the tragic residents of Pompeii. The once-vibrant landscape is now a chilling monument to death, prompting Australia to seek volunteers for the grim task of cleanup. Among them is Ava (Daisy Ridley), whose husband, Mitch (Matt Whelan), was on the island during the disaster, attending a business retreat. Her quest for answers is intertwined with the grim reality that many of the deceased are not truly dead.
The zombies in 'We Bury the Dead' are both terrifying and deeply poignant. They are the deceased loved ones that people are mourning, transforming the zombie apocalypse into a complex narrative. Unlike typical zombie films that focus on the relentless hunger and refusal to die, this story delves into the emotional trauma of the cleanup crew, who are already haunted by their experiences. The atmosphere is relentlessly grim, reflecting the desolate landscape and the haunting memories of the Covid pandemic, with its eerie shots of empty public spaces.
Ava's journey to the island's edge, accompanied by the reckless Clay (Brenton Thwaites), is a study in contrasting personalities. Ava, driven by loss, is a picture of mournful determination, while Clay embodies recklessness and a devil-may-care attitude. The film underscores the untrustworthiness of strangers in a zombie-infested world, a common trope in the genre.
Daisy Ridley's performance is a powerful portrayal of the various stages of grief. She captures the 'magical thinking' phase, where Ava struggles to accept the unlikelihood of her loved one's return. Throughout the film, Ava is haunted by flashbacks of her life with Mitch, revealing a less-than-idyllic relationship. While these flashbacks add depth to Ava's grief, they also feel somewhat obligatory, serving more as a narrative device than an essential part of the story.
One of the film's strengths is its reminder that zombies were once alive, representing the mothers, children, and husbands of those affected. In many zombie films, they are depicted as faceless, unstoppable forces, but 'We Bury the Dead' humanizes them, infusing them with sadness and tragedy. The film never loses sight of the human cost of the zombie apocalypse, adding a layer of emotional depth to the genre.
In conclusion, 'We Bury the Dead' is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant addition to the zombie genre, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of loss and the enduring power of human connection in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
