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We Bury the Dead arrives on Hulu today, bringing Daisy Ridley to a zombie thriller like no other. The 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes ranked film premiered in theaters in January 2026. This emotionally devastating survival drama pairs undead action with profound grief narratives.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Hulu Release Date: May 8, 2026 (today)
- Original Theatrical Release: January 2, 2026, with $3 million opening weekend
- Director: Zak Hilditch, known for atmospheric zombie storytelling
- Critical Score: 88 percent certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes
A Zombie Movie That Defies Genre Expectations
We Bury the Dead strips away the typical zombie action spectacle. Instead, director Zak Hilditch crafts a meditation on loss, grief, and human survival set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop. The film opens after a catastrophic military disaster off Tasmania that renders victims undead and increasingly violent. Daisy Ridley plays Ava Newman, an American physiotherapist who enters a quarantine zone to search for her missing husband, discovering horrifying truths along the way.
Critics have praised the film’s emotional depth and gorgeous cinematography. The story isn’t really about killing zombies at all, according to reviews. It’s about what we leave behind, what we can’t forgive, and whether we can find hope in the darkest scenarios.
We Bury the Dead now streaming on Hulu, zombie film stars Daisy Ridley
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Daisy Ridley Delivers a Masterclass Performance
Ridley’s magnetic performance anchors the entire narrative. She brings vulnerability and determination to Ava, a woman torn apart by marital secrets and desperate for closure. The 95-minute runtime moves with urgent pacing, keeping viewers engaged through intimate character moments and shocking encounters. Brenton Thwaites plays Clay, a fellow volunteer who becomes Ava’s unlikely companion on her perilous journey.
The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus states: “Anchored by Daisy Ridley’s magnetic performance and a grimly inventive premise, We Bury the Dead keenly uses familiar zombie tropes as a framework to deliver a beautifully shot, emotionally resonant meditation on loss and grief.”
Plot Details and Character-Driven Drama
We Bury the Dead explores profound themes through Ava’s journey. Tensions in her marriage stem from infertility and a devastating affair discovery that occurred just before her husband left for Tasmania. As Ava volunteers for body recovery operations, flashbacks reveal the cracks in their relationship. The film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths about marriage, regret, and the human need for redemption.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date (Theaters) | January 2, 2026 |
| Streaming Platform | Hulu (as of May 8, 2026) |
| Director | Zak Hilditch |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
The narrative weaves between Ava’s desperate search and unsettling encounters with the undead. One unforgettable sequence involves a grieving zombie father who calmly digs and buries his own family. These moments elevate the film beyond typical zombie fare, asking viewers to see the undead as once-loved humans trapped in tragedy.
“What sounds like a typical zombie flick is anything but.”
— Matt Brunson, Film Frenzy
Critical Reception and Streaming Success
The film earned 115 critical reviews with 101 positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety praised the “echoing score” by British electronic musician Clark, which functions like a voiceover during silent moments. The $3 million opening weekend marked the biggest debut in Vertical Entertainment history. Audience scores are more mixed at 45 percent, as some viewers expected traditional zombie action rather than intimate character drama.
Kevin Maher of The Times noted that “Daisy Ridley produces a masterclass in minimalism in this slick Australian zombie movie.” IndieWire’s Katie Rife wrote that “the craft of the movie is top-notch, with compelling performances, urgent pacing, and gorgeous cinematography.”
Why You Should Stream We Bury the Dead on Hulu Today
This film offers something rare in horror cinema. It refuses to exploit zombie carnage for spectacle. Instead, it examines how catastrophe exposes our deepest failures and yearnings. Daisy Ridley’s performance will haunt you. Zak Hilditch’s direction transforms a dystopian premise into a deeply human story. The atmospheric score and beautiful cinematography create an unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you’re a zombie genre fan or someone seeking meaningful drama, this film delivers on both fronts. Stream it now on Hulu and discover why critics called it one of 2026’s most distinctive horror films.
Sources
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical scores, consensus review, and audience ratings
- Wikipedia – Production details, cast information, and release dates
- Variety – Critical reviews and film analysis
