Uncover the Supernatural Secrets of Soldiers on their Terrifying Mission
Unveiling a spine-chilling odyssey, Burial takes soldiers on a harrowing mission, escorting a mysterious corpse amidst surreal challenges and unearthing unimaginable horrors
World War II offers a highly flexible historical backdrop for semi-grounded fiction. With countless eventful periods to explore, authors can create captivating stories set during or around this era. However, the enduring possibilities and memorable symbols of the years 1939 to 1945 remain a favorite among fans. Burial reveals the potential impact of the war once the fighting has ceased.
Films that blend genres often struggle to find a cohesive tone. Drawing inspiration from various sources can sometimes result in certain elements overshadowing others. B-movies provide thrilling, action-packed entertainment, but rarely delve into meaningful themes with subtlety. Bleak dramas that emphasize the horrors of war convey their messages powerfully, but may sacrifice an exciting atmosphere for the sake of propriety. In Burial, these contrasting aspects clash, ultimately impacting the film's overall reception.
What is Burial about?
In 1991, the film begins with Anna Marshall, an elderly lady, defending herself against a violent attack in her modest London apartment. The attacker, Karl, is a local neo-Nazi who harbors resentment for a war he never experienced. Karl's intentions are not to steal money, but rather, he is intrigued by the stories of Anna's past. Although Anna quickly incapacitates Karl, her conversation with someone still devoted to the cause she fought against in her youth stirs something within her. Anna then decides to chain Karl to the radiator and share with him the truth about her experiences during the war. In the year 1945, back when she went by the name Brana, Anna served as a Soviet soldier and was tasked with the mission of transporting Adolf Hitler's decaying body across enemy lines.
Brana, accompanied by a small squad led by the tense Captain Ilyasov, is assigned to carry Hitler's corpse to Joseph Stalin. Along the way, they meet two native Polish civilians who will serve as their guides. The journey ahead will be arduous, as they must traverse Poland on foot while carrying the weight of a full coffin. Each night, they are expected to bury the coffin. Despite the end of the European theater of the war with Hitler's demise, Brana and her comrades discover that hostilities have not ceased. Brana encounters Wolfram Graeber and his group of "werewolves," who are not actual werewolves but rather individuals wearing animal skins. They attack their enemies by using burning mushrooms, inducing hallucinations in their victims. Wolfram and his Nazis fight relentlessly to reclaim Hitler's body, aiming to deceive the world into believing that their leader is still alive.
How does Burial end?
Burial delves into the soldier's bound duty towards a cause, showcasing unwavering commitment amidst insurmountable odds. Notably, the narrative offers a captivating exploration into the rationale behind the central mission. While numerous conspiracy theories have swirled around Hitler's demise for decades, Burial aligns itself more with certainties. The Nazi's motivation lies in sowing seeds of doubt by disproving the authenticity of the corpse, a notion fervently dismissed by Brana. Supported by detailed dental records and an unmistakable self-inflicted bullet wound, the body's true identity is definitively established. Stalin, on the other hand, seeks to procure Hitler's remains to lay bare the true essence of the former Führer. By substantiating Hitler's mortality, Stalin effectively dismantles the mystique cultivated by his cult of personality. Burial not only portrays Russians combating Nazi werewolves but also delves into the inherent frailty of fascism. It presents a peculiar amalgamation of primal violence and philosophical exploration, with the film's conclusion mirroring this intriguing juxtaposition.
Lucasz, a Polish citizen, conceals a hidden identity. He confides in Brana, revealing that he was coerced into joining the German military under the threat of a forced labor camp. Overwhelmed with guilt, Lucasz resolves to aid the Russians in their mission. He assists them in finding refuge with an elderly couple. Tragically, the Nazis discover the presence of the Russians and steal their concealed cargo. Intent on creating a video that disputes the identity of the body within the coffin, the Nazis establish their base in a nearby church. The Russians launch a counterattack to retrieve the stolen coffin, resulting in extensive casualties on both sides. The intense battle engulfs the church in flames, devours the casket, and incinerates Hitler's remains. Only Brana and Lucasz emerge as the sole survivors, bearing witness to the event. The narrative shifts back to 1991, as Brana concludes her account to Karl. Leading Karl into her bedroom, Brana unveils a memento from her encounter with Hitler's body, while also revealing that Lucasz met a similar fate during a previous break-in. Seeking retribution for her fallen Polish comrade, Brana administers a lethal poison to Karl, ensuring his demise.
There is more to Burial than meets the eye. Fans of World War II films will discover a lot to admire in this movie. Unfortunately, streaming services like Hulu don't do justice to it in their description, making it sound as ridiculous as Shadow in the Cloud. In reality, Burial is more akin to a film like Fury, but with some added B-movie elements. Despite its unconventional choices, there is a heartfelt core to Burial. It may sound strange, but writer/director Ben Parker has ingeniously brought this unique concept to life.
