"We Bury the Dead": Daisy Ridley's Zombie Film Introduces Fresh Elements
Nothing can quite elicit a visceral reaction like the unsettling sound of teeth grinding. Zak Hilditch, the creative mind behind the newly released zombie film "We Bury the Dead," which debuts today through Vertical, has observed firsthand how this eerie auditory cue sends chills down the spines of viewers, marking the presence of the undead in his narrative.
"When I started exploring the realm of zombies, I realized we were working with a limited budget, so I had to think creatively about how to make this story unique," Hilditch explains. "I wanted to capture the essence of growing tension—what does that feel and sound like? To me, it sounded like grinding teeth. I made sure to incorporate that aspect as much as possible throughout the film, as I believed it could create a fascinating auditory thread. In fact, the sound design team was eager to experiment with this idea even before filming began, recognizing the exciting potential it held."
"It's been fascinating to witness audience reactions during international screenings this year," he adds. "When that sound hits, it’s almost painful, reminiscent of nails on a chalkboard. We initially had more intense versions, but we had to tone them down slightly to ensure it remained bearable for viewers. This is just one example of how our project diverges from typical big-budget films; we aimed to immerse you fully in that psychological space, with sound playing a pivotal role in guiding the experience."
In the film, we follow Ava Newman, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, known for her role in "Star Wars." Ava travels to Australia with the desperate goal of finding her husband after a military mishap. But in a horrifying twist, the dead begin to rise post-incident, forcing Ava to navigate through a landscape teeming with these terrifying, teeth-grinding zombies.
This marks the eighth feature film for the Australia-based filmmaker Hilditch, inspired by the personal experience of losing his mother.
"The project started from a deeply personal place," he shares. "When dealing with grief, it becomes clear that there isn't a magical solution or a definitive guide to help you cope. After my mother passed away, I found myself tasked with clearing out the family home where I grew up, which she had died in. It was oddly therapeutic to engage in such a physical process. As a filmmaker, I felt like I was going from room to room, uncovering layers of memories. There’s something profoundly intimate yet surreal about that experience, and I thought it might provide fertile ground to explore themes of grief."
Hilditch emphasizes that having Ridley join the cast brought a vital human element to the film.
"It was absolutely incredible," he says. "She was the first actress we approached with the script, and within a week, we were having Zoom meetings. She was undeniably perfect for the character: the timing was just right. When she stepped onto the set, witnessing her commitment to embodying this character and bringing my words to life was remarkable—it exceeded even my highest expectations."
He continues, "The success of the film largely hinges on Ridley’s performance, and she truly delivered. I’m eager for audiences to see her in this role. It’s unlike anything she has done before. After rising to fame as Rey and completing that trilogy, she’s now embarking on a new phase of her acting career. Her taste in roles is incredibly diverse, and I feel fortunate that she found something appealing in my screenplay."
Looking ahead, Hilditch expresses his passion for horror while emphasizing a preference for narratives centered around complex characters, regardless of genre.
"I’m drawn to stories about ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances," he explains. "This film exemplifies that concept perfectly. However, I don’t anticipate returning to zombie narratives anytime soon. Making 'We Bury the Dead' was not something I originally planned; I only agreed to dive into zombie storytelling if I could offer a fresh perspective. I believe I’ve managed to present a novel take on the zombie mythos while simultaneously subverting audience expectations. If it can achieve that, then that’s a remarkable accomplishment in today's cinematic landscape."
Be sure to check out the trailer for "We Bury the Dead" below.
