The Next Best Picture Podcast Interview With "We Bury The Dead" Star Daisy Ridley
Jan 2, 2026
Daisy Ridley, known for her iconic roles in film, dives into her latest project, *We Bury The Dead*, where she portrays Ava, a woman on a desperate search for her husband amidst a zombie apocalypse. She discusses the script's powerful themes of grief and determination, and how personal experiences influenced her character's authenticity. Ridley also shares her unique insights on maintaining focus amid trauma and reflects humorously on survival strategies in a zombie apocalypse. This engaging conversation reveals the emotional depth behind her performance.
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Zombies Serve The Emotional Core
- Daisy Ridley chose the film because the script framed grief, marriage, and fertility in a deliberate, human way.
- She felt the zombies served the protagonist's emotional journey rather than being mere spectacle.
Early Dance Scene Built Emotional Trust
- Ridley credits Matt Whelan's performance and shooting the wedding dance first for making emotional scenes accessible.
- She also highlights feeling safe on set, which let her try things and push Ava's volatility.
Personal Life Informed Performance
- Ridley drew on experiences around people going through IVF and her own love for her husband to ground Ava's desperation.
- These personal references informed how far Ava would go to find closure.