Daisy Ridley, the talented actress known for her role in the Star Wars franchise, is back with a new movie that's sure to captivate audiences. But here's where it gets intriguing: it's not a Star Wars film! Ridley, who has been patiently waiting for Disney and Lucasfilm's next move, has been keeping herself busy with independent projects, and her latest venture is a thought-provoking zombie thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
'We Bury the Dead': A Zombie Thriller with a Twist
In 'We Bury the Dead,' Ridley takes on the role of Ava Newman, a woman on a mission to find her husband, Mitch, who was unfortunately caught in a catastrophic event. A botched military experiment in Tasmania resulted in either a mass of dead bodies or a horde of zombies, and Ava's husband just happened to be there at the wrong time. With her marriage already facing challenges due to their struggle to conceive, Ava embarks on a journey across continents, hoping to find closure.
The film, directed by Zak Hilditch, premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest festival and has already garnered attention for its unique blend of contemplation and zombie horror. But it's not just the zombies that make this film special; it's the emotional depth and the relatable struggles of its characters.
Ridley's Personal Connection to the Story
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ridley revealed that she drew inspiration from people in her life who were going through similar fertility challenges. "I knew a couple of people going through IVF at the time. It's an emotionally and physically demanding journey that can strain relationships. Playing Ava, I felt that weight in a way I never had before." This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to Ridley's performance, making it all the more powerful.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
But wait, there's more! Ridley's next project, a romantic comedy titled 'The Last Resort,' will reunite her with Alden Ehrenreich, her co-star from 'Solo: A Star Wars Story.' The film, set in the Philippines, has been in the works for a decade, and Ridley couldn't be more excited. "Alden and I were supposed to do a movie together ten years ago, but it didn't happen. We became friends, so when he joined 'The Last Resort,' I was thrilled!"
A Twist of Fan Fiction
And this is the part most people miss: Ridley's husband, Tom Bateman, has a romantic comedy of his own in the works, based on a novel that originated as fan fiction centered around Ridley's Star Wars character, Rey, and Adam Driver's Kylo Ren! Bateman's character is even named Adam, after Driver. Ridley shared, "Tom didn't know it was fan fiction until he got the part. It was a surprise to him, and I think it will be a charming and fun film."
A Conversation with Ridley
In a recent chat with THR, Ridley discussed her experience working on 'We Bury the Dead' and her upcoming projects. When asked about feeling like a fish out of water with an Australian cast and crew, Ridley responded, "I felt so much a part of everything. It was a wonderful experience."
Regarding her role as a mother in previous films, Ridley believes it helped her understand Ava's desperation to become a mother herself. "Playing mothers in my previous films gave me an insight into that desire and the challenges it can bring."
The most unsettling scene in the film, according to Ridley, is not with a zombie but with a soldier. "It was a powerful moment that took an unexpected turn. I felt the intensity of the emotions, but I don't usually take my work home with me."
When it comes to crying on screen, Ridley shared, "Crying is not always the way we express sadness. It's about finding the right moment and feeling it deeply."
As for the inevitable Star Wars questions, Ridley takes them in her stride. "I can sense when they're coming, and I'm always ready to answer."
The Year's Best Film
When asked about her favorite film of the year, Ridley chose 'Train Dreams.' "It's a wonderful, captivating movie that really resonated with me."
'We Bury the Dead' in Cinemas
Mark your calendars! 'We Bury the Dead' opens in cinemas on January 2, 2025. Don't miss this gripping zombie thriller with a heart, and stay tuned for more exciting projects from Daisy Ridley.
So, what do you think? Are you intrigued by Ridley's new ventures? Let's discuss in the comments!
