NEON is gearing up to release the horror drama “Handling the Undead,” adapted from the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, renowned for “Let the Right One In.” The latest trailer, unveiled this morning, offers a chilling exploration of grief as the dead inexplicably rise from their graves.
“Handling the Undead” will make its debut exclusively at New York City’s IFC Center on May 31, followed by a wider release in select cities on June 7, 2024.
In this film, the dead awaken on a scorching summer day in Oslo, throwing three families into disarray as their departed loved ones return. Who are these resurrected individuals, and what are their intentions? The narrative delves into the turmoil faced by a family confronted with the sudden return of their deceased mother, a poignant reunion for an elderly woman who just laid her beloved to rest, and a grandfather’s desperate bid to retrieve his grandchild from the grave to help his grieving daughter. “Handling the Undead” combines drama with elements of horror, exploring themes of grief, loss, hope, and the unfathomable.
Directed by Thea Hvistendahl (“Adjø Montebello”), the film features a screenplay by John Ajvide Lindqvist in collaboration with Hvistendahl. Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bjørn Sundquis, Bente Børsum, Bahar Pars, and Inesa Dauksta headline the cast.
Trace Thurman, in his review from Sundance, praises Hvistendahl for her adept portrayal of the human condition and her remarkable visual storytelling. “Handling the Undead” stands out for its minimal dialogue, intense performances, and thought-provoking exploration of life and death.
Check out the trailer below for a glimpse into the emotionally charged depiction of grief, punctuated by moments of zombie horror.
