Director of We Bury the Dead Reveals Daisy Ridley Was “Pushed to Her Limit” in New Zombie Horror Film: “I’ve Never Seen Her Like This”

Daisy Ridley, known for her role in Star Wars, faced intense challenges while filming the new zombie horror flick We Bury the Dead. Writer-director Zak Hilditch reveals that the promise of pushing her limits was a significant factor in her decision to join the project.

Alongside Brenton Thwaites, the film presents a fresh perspective on post-apocalyptic horror. Ridley plays Ava, a physical therapist who journeys to Tasmania, Australia, in search of her husband Mitch, who has gone silent since a catastrophic experimental weapon was accidentally detonated off the island’s coast, obliterating Hobart, where he was staying for work. Despite the chaos, Ava clings to hope that he might still be alive.

Hilditch shares, “She was the first one cast. We sent the script to her, and within a week, we were zooming and off to the races. She was all in, and it was such a quick process. Sometimes, like with 1922, everything aligns perfectly. Just as I couldn’t picture anyone but Thomas Jane as Wilfred James in Netflix’s 1922, Daisy embodies Ava, and I’m thrilled she responded to the role.”

In this zombie narrative, Ava’s quest to find Mitch is complicated by the fear that he may not be the same person she once knew. The majority of the locals perished in the explosion or its toxic aftermath, but a few have regained motor functions despite being effectively brain dead, exhibiting violent tendencies. This has led the military to assign various roles to the surviving individuals, from security to body disposal.

Hilditch praises Ridley’s performance, stating, “[Daisy] gave her absolute all. I hadn’t seen her tackle something like this before, and it really pushed her to her limits. The entire film rests on her shoulders, and you’re completely captivated every moment she’s on screen. You’re rooting for her, especially as her character endures so much throughout the story.”

Ava’s journey intersects with Clay, a clean-up crew member who maintains a surprisingly laid-back attitude amid the chaos. Initially at odds, they form an unexpected partnership when Ava proposes they abandon their tasks, fire up a bike, and head south to Woodbridge, where Mitch was last spotted.

“I love stories where you have contrasting characters. From a writing perspective, I thought, ‘Who’s the worst person she could be paired with?’ It had to be someone with completely opposite traits to Ava,” Hilditch explains. “So, we have the Aussie who speaks his mind; he’s the perfect wild card for the film. [Brenton] delivers the best lines and brings the laughs.”

Hilditch reflects on the audience’s reactions during festival screenings, noting, “It’s been fantastic to see how people respond to Clay and how his humor breaks the tension. He’s such a talented actor, exuding charm and charisma, and I can’t wait for everyone to see him in this new light.”

We Bury the Dead is currently showing in US theaters and will be available on Digital HD in the UK starting February 2.