Daisy Ridley, known for her role in the upcoming film We Bury the Dead, expressed her affinity for movies that evoke deep emotional responses. The film, which opens in theatres on December 30, 2023, features Ridley as Ava, a woman who volunteers to assist in the aftermath of a military accident on an Australian island.
In a recent Zoom interview, Ridley discussed her passion for films that offer a cathartic experience. “I do love being able to watch something and have a really, really good cry,” she shared. This emotional engagement drives her choice of projects, with We Bury the Dead resonating particularly well with her as a viewer.
Exploring Grief and Hope Through Film
Ridley highlighted the impact of storytelling in films like Goodbye June, directed by and starring Kate Winslet. The Netflix drama, which portrays a family’s struggle with the impending death of their matriarch, played by Helen Mirren, left a significant mark on her. “I saw Goodbye June last week and have not felt such a cathartic expression of grief in a while,” Ridley reflected. “My eyes were tiny the next day from crying.”
The actress appreciates narratives that not only delve into grief but also provide a glimmer of hope. “I always like a touch of hope, even 1%,” she stated. In We Bury the Dead, Ava approaches the harrowing situation with the belief that her husband might still be alive. “I think she has to have the hope. She’s propelled by the hope of what might be,” Ridley explained.
Facing the Physical and Emotional Challenges
The film’s premise involves Ava and her partner, Clay, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites, as they navigate the difficult task of removing deceased bodies from homes. This task becomes even more complicated when they encounter not only the dead but also the living, who may pose threats in their grief. “Until that point, Ava doesn’t have to make decisions like that,” Ridley noted. “Running sort of works, and that is the beginning of a new journey for her.”
The physical demands of the role were significant. Ridley described a scene where her character removes her shoes to rest, leading the makeup team to create a realistic portrayal of her feet as if she had been trekking through harsh terrain. “We wanted it to look really gross,” she said. “You know, when blisters burst, in shoes that aren’t yours, walking that distance, the physical toll.”
Ridley’s experience on set was reminiscent of her previous physically demanding roles, including her time wielding lightsabers in Star Wars. She admitted that filming We Bury the Dead left her exhausted. “Walking up that hill towards the place where her husband is, I was pretty exhausted,” she remarked, indicating the toll the role took on her both physically and emotionally.
With a compelling narrative and the promise of emotional depth, We Bury the Dead positions itself as a noteworthy addition to Ridley’s body of work. As audiences prepare to experience Ava’s journey, they can expect a film that not only explores grief but also highlights the resilience of hope amidst despair.
