We Bury the Dead is an upcoming survival horror thriller that blends emotional drama with intense zombie-style horror. Directed and written by Zak Hilditch, the film stars Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites, and Mark Coles Smith. The story takes place after a devastating military disaster, where the dead do not stay buried and instead begin to hunt the living.
Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape, the movie follows Ava, a grieving woman searching for her missing husband. Her journey forces her to confront death, trauma, and terrifying reanimated bodies. While the film includes classic horror elements, it also focuses strongly on grief, loss, and human survival, making it more emotionally heavy than a typical zombie movie.
We Bury the Dead premiered at SXSW in March 2025 and is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on January 2, 2026, distributed by Vertical Entertainment. Due to its graphic and disturbing content, this movie is clearly aimed at mature audiences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | We Bury the Dead |
| Genre | Survival Horror, Thriller |
| Director/Writer | Zak Hilditch |
| Starring | Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites, Mark Coles Smith |
| Runtime | 94 minutes |
| Age Rating | R |
| Release Date | January 2, 2026 (United States) |
| Distributor | Vertical Entertainment |
We Bury the Dead Age Rating
We Bury the Dead is officially rated R for strong violent content, gore, language, and brief drug use. The rating reflects the film’s frequent disturbing visuals, graphic injuries, and sustained horror atmosphere. Viewers can expect repeated scenes involving dead bodies, reanimation, and intense emotional distress.
In general, an R rating means the movie is intended for adults. Children under 17 should not watch without a parent or guardian. These films often include graphic violence, strong language, or mature themes that may be upsetting or inappropriate for younger viewers.
Is We Bury the Dead Suitable for Kids?
We Bury the Dead is not suitable for children. The frightening imagery, realistic horror, and emotionally heavy themes make it inappropriate for young viewers. Even teens may find the film disturbing due to its bleak tone, graphic violence, and constant sense of danger. This movie is best reserved for mature audiences who are comfortable with intense horror and psychological tension.
Age-by-Suitability Guide
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | Not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8–12 | Not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13–15) | Not recommended. Viewer discretion advised. |
| Teens (16–17) | Yes, with caution. Older teens may handle it with guidance. |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature audiences. |
We Bury the Dead Parents Guide
- Sex & Nudity: There is no sexual content or nudity in the film. The story does not focus on romance or intimacy.
- Violence & Gore: Violence is strong and graphic. The movie shows dead and decomposing bodies, reanimated humans, bloody wounds, and close-up shots of injuries. Military destruction and mass death are also implied, creating a very disturbing atmosphere.
- Profanity: Strong language is used throughout the film, especially during moments of fear and stress. The profanity reflects panic, grief, and desperation.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Brief drug use is shown in limited scenes. Smoking may appear occasionally during tense moments.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: The film is consistently intense and unsettling. The horror is psychological and emotional, with frequent scenes designed to create fear, dread, and emotional discomfort.
Tips for Parents
Parents should be aware that We Bury the Dead contains disturbing imagery and heavy emotional themes related to death and grief. It is a good idea to watch the trailer first and discuss the film’s themes with older teens before viewing. Conversations after the movie can help teens process fear, loss, and the emotional impact of the story.
We Bury the Dead Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer here:-
FAQs
What is the age rating of We Bury the Dead?
We Bury the Dead is rated R for strong violent content, gore, language, and brief drug use.
Is We Bury the Dead suitable for teens?
We Bury the Dead is not recommended for most teens, though older teens aged 17 and up may watch with parental guidance.
Does We Bury the Dead contain graphic violence?
Yes, We Bury the Dead includes graphic scenes with corpses, reanimation, and visible injuries.
Is there any sexual content in We Bury the Dead?
No, We Bury the Dead does not contain sexual content or nudity.
Where can I watch We Bury the Dead?
We Bury the Dead will be released in U.S. theaters on January 2, 2026, by Vertical Entertainment.