“We Bury The Dead” Movie Review

Plot: After a catastrophic military disaster, the dead don’t just rise – they hunt. Ava (Daisy Ridley) searches for her missing husband, but what she finds is far more terrifying!

Zombies Galore or Just …” the Undead?”

     I understand how perplexing it is that this movie made it to theaters instead of going directly to streaming services, especially considering that some films really are better suited for that. This definitely felt like one of those times. While the film did include a “horror” element with dead bodies coming back to life, it didn’t quite capture the essence of true horror in my opinion. Watching it felt reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video coming to life in 2026. As much as I appreciate the artistry of that music video, I’m afraid I can’t say the same for this movie. It’s disappointing when my personal expectations aren’t met.

Ava & Riley

      Being able to truly grieve the profound loss of a spouse is one thing; however, attempting to fulfill Riley’s suggestion to Ava—taking her to see her husband—without any knowledge of whether he had returned alive or met a tragic fate, adds an entirely new layer of complexity. Riley was caught in a web of denial regarding his wife’s death. He struggled to accept the finality of her absence, often clinging to the hope that she might miraculously come back. His desperation to reconnect with her led him to obscure the harsh truth, and in his quest to bring her memory to life, he sought to leverage Ava. In his mind, using Ava was a way to bridge the gap between reality and his longing for his wife, ultimately blurring the lines between grief and obsession.

Ava’s Discovery

     When Ava finally locates her husband, the disturbing truth she uncovers is truly unsettling. Is the horror of what she finds worse than discovering his dead and charred body? Which would inflict a deeper emotional wound? I won’t spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it, but even if her husband had miraculously returned to life, could she realistically move forward with him after witnessing such a traumatic event? The idea that she could is shocking, to say the least.

A Symbolic Moment

     I can appreciate the ending of the film. If you choose to watch it, you’ll discover the sentimental depth that feels like a “perfect” ending. While the movie may not be ideal for theaters, it offers a valuable experience as a rental or a “one-time watch.”