Daisy Ridley Fights the Undead in Intense Trailer for We Bury the Dead

Daisy Ridley is leaving the Jedi behind and stepping into a far more brutal battlefield in Zak Hilditch’s upcoming zombie thriller We Bury the Dead. Vertical has released a full-length trailer that expands on the earlier teaser, plunging viewers into a harsh, post-apocalyptic wasteland where the dead don’t just rise—they stalk, chase, and hunt. The film hits theaters on January 2, 2026, with a tight 94-minute runtime designed to deliver nonstop tension.

A Desperate Search Turns Into a Nightmare

Ridley plays Ava Newman, a grieving woman determined to find her missing husband after a disastrous military experiment unleashes chaos across the land. In hopes of rescuing him, she volunteers for a “body retrieval unit,” only to discover that the corpses they’re collecting have a terrifying habit of coming back—with unfinished business and violent instincts.

The trailer teases chilling set pieces, claustrophobic chases, and a desperate fight for survival as Ava confronts both the undead and the emotional wounds she’s long tried to bury.

A Fresh Take on the Zombie Genre

Writer-director Zak Hilditch, known for 1922 and These Final Hours, brings his signature blend of grim emotion and atmospheric dread to this new project. While We Bury the Dead embraces classic zombie thrills, Hilditch uses Ava’s journey to explore themes of grief, loss, and resilience. Ridley has praised the project’s originality, calling it a “unique, terrifying tale” and expressing pride in bringing this haunting vision to life.

Critical Praise Ahead of Release

Following its premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, the film has already earned impressive acclaim. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics praised its masterful sound design, intense pacing, and Ridley’s standout performance. Screen Rant highlighted the film’s “refreshingly unique” approach to familiar genre beats, while IndieWire applauded its compelling performances, sharp pacing, and striking cinematography.

A Promising Start to 2026 Horror

Although January is often seen as a slow month for new releases, We Bury the Dead appears poised to break the trend. Its early buzz suggests it could be one of the first major horror successes of the new year. Still, it won’t be alone—the film will compete with several high-profile titles, including Primate, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and Return to Silent Hill.

With Ridley leading the charge and critics already taking notice, We Bury the Dead is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror fans as it lurches into theaters this January.