Reviews: Burying the Ex (2014) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
- Related: [ Movie Details for Burying the Ex ]
Subgenres: Comedy, Zombies, Campy, Zombie - Comedy
This in-depth review of Burying the Ex (2014) explores its story, characters, and scares in detail, offering insights for every horror fan.
Burying the Ex (2014) – A Quirky Zombie Rom-Com with Undead Relationship Issues
Burying the Ex (2014) serves up an offbeat mix of horror comedy and relationship satire. Directed by Joe Dante, this genre-blending tale explores what happens when a breakup goes horribly wrong—because the ex refuses to stay buried. With zombie antics, awkward romance, and a sprinkle of cult charm, this film walks the line between dark humor and goofy charm, appealing to fans of light-hearted horror with a twisted sense of humor.
Though it leans on familiar genre tropes, the film finds its identity through witty performances, quirky dialogue, and a concept that creatively tackles toxic relationships—literally.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story follows Max, a horror-loving retail clerk, stuck in a suffocating relationship with his controlling girlfriend Evelyn. He finally builds the courage to break up, but before he can end things properly, Evelyn dies in an accident. Just as Max begins falling for someone new—Olivia, a fellow horror fan—Evelyn rises from the grave, undead and unaware she was ever dumped.
Now Max faces a hilariously awkward love triangle with a zombie ex-girlfriend who refuses to let go. The film uses this absurd premise to explore relationship baggage, codependency, and the fear of hurting others’ feelings—even after death.
Core Themes Explored:
Fear of confrontation and emotional guilt
Toxic relationships that refuse to die
Love for horror culture and macabre nostalgia
Balancing self-identity with romantic expectations
Reanimation as a metaphor for clinging to the past
The characters aren’t deeply layered, but Max is relatable as the guy who doesn’t know how to say no. Evelyn, though extreme, represents the type of person who demands full control in a relationship. Olivia offers balance and acceptance, giving Max a shot at genuine connection.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
Anton Yelchin brings an awkward likability to Max, grounding the absurd plot with charm. Ashley Greene delivers Evelyn with over-the-top flair—part girlfriend, part undead nightmare—while Alexandra Daddario makes a sweet, grounded counterpoint as Olivia.
Visually, the film is bright and stylized with vivid set pieces that highlight its love for horror memorabilia and monster-themed aesthetics. Director Joe Dante, known for his work in Gremlins and other cult hits, brings a playful tone to the direction, even when scenes get gory. The film’s pacing stays lively, and practical effects give the zombie sequences a fun, retro edge.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Dante’s style is all about balancing the bizarre with the lighthearted, and Burying the Ex keeps its tone more comedic than horrifying. It doesn’t aim for deep scares—instead, it leans into slapstick and tongue-in-cheek genre homage.
Strengths:
Unique zombie love triangle premise
Cult director Joe Dante’s horror-comedy style
Strong chemistry between Max and Olivia
Humor blended with light horror elements
Visual love letter to horror fandom
Weaknesses:
Predictable plot with few real surprises
Evelyn’s character becomes overly cartoonish
Limited emotional depth in character arcs
Some jokes don’t land as effectively as others
Not scary enough for hardcore horror fans
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
Burying the Ex is a campy, mildly amusing horror-comedy that offers a clever concept with uneven delivery. While it won’t win awards for originality or emotional complexity, it finds its rhythm in pop culture references, undead antics, and genre tributes. For casual horror fans looking for a light zombie comedy that pokes fun at bad breakups, this film has enough charm to be worth a watch.
Who Will Enjoy It:
Fans of horror comedies with romantic twists
Viewers who enjoy undead humor and quirky setups
Fans of Joe Dante’s retro filmmaking style
Couples looking for a spooky-but-silly movie night
Who Might Be Disappointed:
Hardcore horror fans expecting genuine scares
Viewers seeking depth or plot complexity
Those who prefer subtle humor over slapstick
Audiences uninterested in horror-romance blends
Most Searched FAQs About Burying the Ex (2014)
What is the main plot of Burying the Ex (2014)?
The story follows Max, a horror enthusiast stuck in a controlling relationship with Evelyn. After her untimely passing, she comes back from the dead—unaware she was about to be dumped. Things get complicated when Max begins dating someone new, forcing him to deal with his undead ex.
Why does Evelyn come back from the dead?
Evelyn returns due to a mysterious wish Max made using a demonic trinket from his workplace. The wish was meant to express undying love—but it worked too well, bringing Evelyn back in a literal sense.
Is Burying the Ex a horror film or a comedy?
It’s a mix of both. The movie is more of a horror-comedy with romantic elements. The scares are minimal and stylized, focusing more on awkward humor and satirical relationship commentary.
Who is Olivia and how does she fit into the story?
Olivia is Max’s new love interest. She shares his passion for horror and supports his individuality—everything Evelyn wasn’t. Olivia’s presence raises the stakes, especially once Evelyn returns and sees her as a rival.
Does Max try to get rid of Evelyn after she comes back?
Yes. Once Max realizes Evelyn is not only undead but also still controlling and possessive, he looks for ways to end the situation permanently, all while trying to keep Olivia safe.
Are there any major horror references in the movie?
Yes. The film is filled with nods to classic horror films, monster memorabilia, and vintage horror culture. This backdrop adds nostalgic appeal for genre fans.
Is there a lot of gore or intense scenes?
The film uses moderate effects with a comedic tone. While there are a few violent scenes, they are stylized to keep things more fun than frightening.
Burying the Ex (2014) – Ending Explained
The film climaxes with a chaotic confrontation between Max, Evelyn, and Olivia. After Evelyn discovers Max’s new relationship, she grows increasingly unstable and possessive. Things reach a breaking point when Max attempts to explain the truth and tries to end it—again.
In the final scenes, Evelyn becomes aggressive, forcing Max and Olivia to defend themselves. During the scuffle, Evelyn is ultimately stopped for good, bringing an end to her unwanted return. The resolution is bittersweet but humorous, with Max and Olivia finally free to start over without any supernatural baggage.
Key Ending Takeaways:
Evelyn’s return was driven by supernatural interference, not unfinished business
The ending reinforces the importance of emotional honesty and letting go
Max’s growth comes from finally standing up for himself
The finale wraps with lighthearted closure rather than darkness
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Burying the Ex Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 4.37/10
- IMDB: 5.4/10
- MetaCritic: 3.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.0/10
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