Handling the Undead is a unique movie that beautifully straddles the line of grief and love. At its core, it's a zombie film however it's much more than that. From the compelling score to the emotions felt through every breath, or lack thereof, the film strikingly puts its viewers in the drivers seat and has them hanging onto every breath.

Thea Hvistendahl makes her directorial debut with “Handling the Undead” at the 40th Sundance Film Festival. The synopsis of the film is that the newly dead awaken on a hot summer day in Oslo. The tragedy strikes three families who were faced with loss trying to figure out  what this resurrection means and if their loved ones really are back. Although based on the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the film does a great job in ensuring the key moments were felt, seen, and embodied while adding further context to make this film a bit of her own. 

“This story is more about grief than fear,” Hvistendahl shared with Variety. “It was important for the audience to understand the hope and love the living feel when they’re reunited with their loved ones. We tried to make one feel empathy for the undead in one scene and unease in another.”

The film has a way of keeping the audience engaged and on their toes even in murky scenes that were eerily creepy. From moments of silence that were uncomfortably long to a feeling of sadness as individuals watched their loved ones fall to despair. Not only was the film unique, the score was magnificent and perfectly fit the solemn tone of the film. “Music has a huge impact on film, both in positive and negative ways. It is such a powerful weapon and tool. Essentially, music is the emotional subconscious epicenter of a film—lying beneath what you are seeing and above what you are hearing. It can either make or break a film, and triggers emotional responses that can sometimes be inexplicable,” Peter Raeburn, composer for “Handling the Undead,” shared with IdentifyLA exclusively. “Synchronistically, it is particularly powerful in the way it works with picture, story, and character. There is nothing else quite like music.”

Even though the film provided a bit of stillness and the dialogue of the film was sparse, viewers were able hang on to every bit throughout the film. “This film reminds us how precious everything in our life really is, especially those nearest and dearest to us. It has incredible insight into grief which is something every human shares,” Raeburn continued. “I hope that people are moved, and that this film lives on beyond the single viewing in the way that only art can.”

“Handling the Undead” made its slow burn, yet chilling premiere during the 40th Sundance Film Festival. Check out the trailer below and let us know in the comments if you’d be up for seeing the film.