Zombie movies usually promise chaos — blood, fear, and survival against the undead. But We Bury the Dead dares to be something different. Beneath its creepy exterior and the sound of grinding zombie teeth lies a surprisingly emotional story about grief, loss, and the fragile humanity that survives even when the world ends.
Trailer Trickery Strikes Again
If you went in expecting a high-octane zombie horror flick, you’re not alone. The trailers made We Bury the Dead look like it would be packed with action and jump scares. Instead, what audiences got was a slow-burn psychological thriller that focuses far more on emotion than adrenaline.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing — but it’s definitely worth knowing before you sit down for it. The pacing is measured, the scares are subdued, and the tension builds through atmosphere instead of chaos.
A Somber Story of Grief and Survival
At its core, We Bury the Dead is a story about loss. The world is falling apart, the dead are walking, and yet the focus remains on how people cope with the pain of what they’ve lost. It’s a film that leans into tragedy and quiet reflection more than horror.
Daisy Ridley delivers an outstanding performance, carrying nearly the entire emotional weight of the story. Her portrayal feels raw and vulnerable — she’s easily the best part of the movie. While the supporting cast does fine, it’s Ridley’s performance that keeps you invested from start to finish.
Thriller Over Horror
This isn’t a movie filled with jump scares or intense chase scenes. Instead, We Bury the Dead thrives on mood — its somber tone, its hypnotic music, and its worldbuilding. The score, in particular, deserves credit for putting you in a trance and keeping you there. It complements the film’s sense of melancholy perfectly.
While the horror elements take a backseat, there’s still a haunting quality to the way the story unfolds. It’s not scary in the traditional sense, but it is unsettling. You won’t be screaming at the screen — you’ll be quietly uneasy.
Final Thoughts
We Bury the Dead may not be the zombie movie we were promised, but it’s still a compelling piece of filmmaking. It’s emotional, beautifully acted, and haunting in its own quiet way. Just don’t expect a pulse-pounding horror — this one’s more about pain than panic.
Final Score: 6.5/10
It’s a thoughtful, somber thriller that’s worth a watch — even if it’s not one you’ll revisit anytime soon. The trailers may have tricked us, but the movie still delivers something worth digging into.
Verdict
If you can set aside expectations for a traditional zombie horror, We Bury the Dead offers a surprisingly heartfelt and grounded take on the undead genre. It’s slow, emotional, and quietly devastating — a film that proves sometimes, the real monsters are our memories.
