The Haunting Premise of "We Bury the Dead"
Movies that begin with a wedding often set a tone of impending doom, and "We Bury the Dead" is no exception. The film opens with a seemingly joyous occasion, only to be shattered by a catastrophic event: the accidental detonation of an experimental weapon that wipes out 500,000 lives in Tasmania, including the protagonist Ava’s husband, Mitch. This stark juxtaposition of celebration and tragedy sets the stage for a gripping exploration of grief and the human condition.
Ava’s Journey Through Grief
In the aftermath of the disaster, Ava finds herself grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss. Her only instinct is to board a plane and search for Mitch, despite the grim reality that he is likely dead. The area where he was staying is still engulfed in flames, and Ava joins a humanitarian mission that is barred from entering the most devastated zones. The film cleverly intertwines the themes of hope and despair as Ava clings to the possibility that Mitch might somehow be among the reanimated corpses that have begun to appear.
The Enigma of the Reanimated
The concept of the undead adds a unique twist to the narrative. Ava learns that some of the deceased have been returning to life, but the military’s strict orders are clear: do not engage with them. Instead, the protocol is to signal for help if one encounters a zombie. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of these reanimated beings. What does it mean for someone to come back? Are they still the people they once were, or have they lost their humanity? Ava’s hope that Mitch could be one of the returned adds layers of complexity to her quest.
The Companionship of Clay
Ava’s journey is not solitary; she is joined by Clay, her partner in the cleanup efforts. Clay’s laid-back demeanor and ’70s-inspired appearance contrast sharply with the grim reality surrounding them. While Ava is driven by a desperate need for closure, Clay seems more interested in the remnants of a world that once was, including drugs and vintage cars. Their dynamic serves as a poignant reminder of how people cope with trauma in different ways. Ava’s determination to find Mitch pushes Clay out of his comfort zone, leading them into the forbidden zones where danger lurks.
The Directorial Vision of Zak Hilditch
Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, known for his previous work on “These Final Hours,” "We Bury the Dead" delves into themes of extinction and the human experience. Hilditch’s storytelling is marked by a meditative pace, allowing viewers to reflect on Ava’s emotional state. However, the film occasionally struggles with its identity, wavering between a straightforward zombie narrative and a deeper exploration of grief. Flashbacks reveal the complexities of Ava’s marriage, but the present-day storyline often feels constrained, leaving audiences yearning for more insight into her psyche.
The Zombie Metaphor
Zombies have long been used as metaphors in cinema, representing societal fears and existential dilemmas. "We Bury the Dead" attempts to explore this territory but sometimes falls back on familiar tropes. The film hints at the possibility of redemption for the reanimated, yet it doesn’t fully commit to this idea. The threat of zombies adds an element of suspense, but the film’s exploration of what happens when one is bitten remains ambiguous, leaving viewers with lingering questions.
A Bizarre Ending
As the narrative unfolds, both Ava and the film itself seem to be in search of closure and meaning. The climax delivers a wild twist that transforms the story from a standalone tale into something more unsettling—a setup for future explorations. This ending leaves audiences pondering the implications of Ava’s journey and the broader themes of loss and resurrection.
"We Bury the Dead," a Vertical release, is rated R for strong violent content, brief drug use, language, and gore. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
