Burial (2022) is a World War II thriller directed by Ben Parker that blends historical fiction with intense suspense. Set during the closing days of the war, the film follows Brana Vasilyeva (Charlotte Vega), a Soviet intelligence officer leading a small group of soldiers assigned to a highly secretive mission: transporting Adolf Hitler’s remains from Berlin to Moscow for Stalin. However, the journey through German territory is fraught with danger, as the soldiers encounter not only hostile terrain but also a group of Nazi diehards known as “werewolves.” These werewolves are loyalists who refuse to accept the fall of the Third Reich and are determined to sabotage the mission at all costs.

Story and Themes

The film explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the haunting psychological scars of war. Brana’s mission is not just a logistical task but a symbolic one, meant to erase Hitler’s influence. The “werewolves” add a layer of ideological extremism, embodying the desperation of Nazi loyalists who refuse to surrender. The journey is a test of Brana’s leadership and the soldiers’ dedication, touching on themes of duty versus personal morality and the lingering impact of extremist beliefs even after a war’s official end.

Acting and Characterization

Charlotte Vega gives a strong, layered performance as Brana, portraying her as a hardened, determined leader who also grapples with the moral implications of her mission. She brings a sense of vulnerability mixed with resilience, making Brana a complex, relatable protagonist. The supporting cast, including Barry Ward and Tom Felton, adds depth, with each soldier’s perspective highlighting the mental and emotional toll of their grim assignment. The characters, while somewhat underdeveloped, contribute to a realistic team dynamic that adds emotional weight to the film’s suspenseful moments.

Direction and Visuals

Director Ben Parker crafts a dark, atmospheric film that uses shadowy landscapes and muted tones to heighten the tension and grim tone. The cinematography captures the bleakness of the war’s aftermath, immersing viewers in the hostile and eerie terrain the soldiers must traverse. The werewolf ambushes are staged with intensity, using sudden attacks, fog, and dim lighting to create suspense and a sense of looming threat. The film leans more on mood and tension than outright horror, keeping viewers on edge as Brana’s team faces constant peril.

Criticisms

Burial has received some criticism for its pacing, which can feel slow at times, particularly in scenes that build tension without progressing the plot. The storyline is straightforward, which may disappoint viewers looking for a more nuanced war narrative or deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations. The werewolf concept, while adding suspense, could have been developed further to give more insight into their ideology and personal stakes.

Overall Impression

Burial is a moody, atmospheric thriller that takes a unique angle on WWII by focusing on a fictional covert mission and exploring themes of ideological extremism and post-war trauma. Charlotte Vega’s performance and the film’s gritty visuals create a sense of dread and tension, making it an intriguing watch for fans of historical thrillers with a psychological edge. While it doesn’t break much new ground in the war genre, it offers a fresh, suspenseful experience centered on an eerie, high-stakes journey.