Handling the Undead

Handling the Undead

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 37 m

Language: norwegian

Director: Thea Hvistendahl

DramaHorrorMystery

As Oslo's sweltering summer gives way to surreal horror, the veil between life and death shatters, unleashing a maelstrom of mystery. Three families confront the unthinkable as their dearly departed return, forcing them to re-examine their grief and unanswered questions: What do these restless souls want, and who are they really?

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Handling the Undead (2024)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Handling the Undead (2024). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting that reflects modern-day societal issues. The sudden resurrection of the dead creates an eerie atmosphere in everyday life, highlighting the fragility of human existence and the inevitability of grief. This unusual event serves as a catalyst for exploring deep emotional themes within the story.

Location

Oslo

Oslo serves as the haunting backdrop for the events of 'Handling the Undead.' Known for its vibrant urban life, the city transforms into a setting of despair as the deceased walk among the living. The presence of graves and hospitals emphasizes the struggles of the grieving families as they navigate this surreal reality.

🏙️ City 🪦 Graveyard

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Main Characters – Handling the Undead (2024)
Meet the key characters of Handling the Undead (2024), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mahler

Mahler is a protective grandfather whose world crumbles when he loses his grandson, Elias. His desperation leads him to bring Elias back home after the inexplicable event, complicating his relationships with Anna and the reality of their situation. As the story progresses, he shows remarkable resilience, yet he faces tragic consequences as events unfold.

👴 Grandfather 💔 Grief

Anna

Anna is deeply affected by the death of her son, Elias, and struggles to cope with the overwhelming emotions that follow his return. Her despair drives her to a dark place, reflecting the intense turmoil of a mother faced with an impossible situation. Despite her hardships, she shows immense courage as she navigates the complexities of motherhood amidst chaos.

👩 Mother 🌊 Despair

David

David embodies the challenges of single parenthood as he deals with the loss of his wife, Eva. His journey is marked by the stark realization that acceptance is a painful process, especially when faced with the bizarre resurrection of the dead. Through his interactions with his children, he represents the struggle between hope and the harsh truth of reality.

👨 Father ⚖️ Acceptance

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Major Themes – Handling the Undead (2024)
Explore the central themes of Handling the Undead (2024), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 Grief

Grief permeates every character's journey as they grapple with loss and the complexities of having their loved ones return. Each individual experiences varying levels of despair, leading to moments of dark introspection and existential fear. This theme underscores the fragility of life and the struggles that come with accepting death.

🧟 Resurrection

The theme of resurrection is pivotal, as the film explores what it means to come back from the dead. While physically present, the returned individuals are trapped in a trance, raising questions about identity, reality, and the impact of unresolved grief. This theme challenges the characters' perceptions of life and death, blurring the line between the two.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

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