The highly anticipated zombie survival thriller We Bury the Dead is set to release in theaters on January 2, 2026, in the United States. Directed by Australian filmmaker Zak Hilditch, known for his work on 1922, the film stars Daisy Ridley (Star Wars), Brenton Thwaites (Maleficent), and Mark Coles Smith (Beast of War).

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of a catastrophic military experiment gone awry, the story follows Ava Newman (Ridley), a woman searching for her missing husband in the aftermath of the disaster. Joining a body retrieval unit, Ava’s journey takes a chilling turn when the corpses she’s tasked with burying begin to show signs of life. As she ventures deeper into the quarantine zone, she encounters reanimated corpses, forcing her to confront both the undead and the emotional turmoil of her loss.

Critical Reception

We Bury the Dead premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, receiving positive reviews for its unique blend of horror and emotional depth. Critics have praised Ridley’s performance and Hilditch’s direction, noting the film’s fresh take on the zombie genre. The film currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its strong reception among critics and audiences alike.

Release Details

Following its limited theatrical release in the United States on January 2, 2026, We Bury the Dead is scheduled to open in Australia and New Zealand on February 5, 2026. The film will be distributed by Vertical Entertainment in North America and Umbrella Entertainment in Australia.