We, the Dead (2017)
A haunting Malaysian drama about one woman's dangerous pursuit of a better life, set against the dark reality of human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
We, the Dead - Movie Information
- Original Title: Aqérat
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Edmund Yeo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: Malay
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Malay
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 28, 2017 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: We the dead (ES), 죽음의 삶 (KR)
- Production Companies: Pocket Ideas, Greenlight Pictures
- Production Countries: Malaysia
We, the Dead - Plot
A young Chinese Malaysian woman becomes involved in the sordid world of human trafficking as she tries to make a better life for herself with a dream of moving to Taiwan.
We, the Dead - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this intimate Malaysian drama:
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We, the Dead - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Edmund Yeo
Main Cast
- Daphne Low
- Hon Kahoe
- Johnny Goh
- Andy Darrel Gomes
- Ruby Yap
Writers
- Edmund Yeo
We, the Dead - FAQs
What is We, the Dead about?
We, the Dead follows Hui Ling, a young Chinese Malaysian woman who gets entangled in the brutal world of human trafficking while chasing a dream of starting fresh in Taiwan. The film is a raw, intimate drama that explores desperation, exploitation, and the cost of survival in Southeast Asia.
Is We, the Dead based on a true story?
We, the Dead is not directly based on a single true story, but it draws on the very real and widespread issue of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Director Edmund Yeo grounds the narrative in the region's social realities, giving the film a documentary-like authenticity that makes it feel deeply personal and urgent.
Where can you stream We, the Dead?
You can stream We, the Dead on Fandor as part of a flat-rate subscription, or catch it on Cineverse with ads. Both platforms offer accessible ways to watch this Malaysian drama without needing a premium tier.
What themes does We, the Dead explore?
The film digs into human trafficking, economic desperation, and the vulnerability of young women in Southeast Asia. Beneath those dark themes, it also traces a fragile romance and the quiet longing for a better life — making it as emotionally intimate as it is socially confronting.
Who are the main actors in We, the Dead?
The cast is led by Daphne Low as Hui Ling, the film's emotional anchor, alongside Hon Kahoe as Wei, Johnny Goh as Wing, Andy Darrel Gomes as Andy, and Ruby Yap as Qi Qi. Low's performance in particular carries much of the film's quiet, devastating weight.
Who directed We, the Dead and what is his style?
Edmund Yeo directed and wrote the film. A Malaysian filmmaker known for his contemplative, humanist approach, Yeo brings a restrained visual style to We, the Dead — favoring stillness and close observation over melodrama. His work sits comfortably within the tradition of slow cinema from Southeast Asia.
What languages are spoken in We, the Dead?
The film is spoken in both Cantonese and Malay, reflecting the multilingual reality of Malaysia's Chinese community. This bilingual texture adds authenticity to the story and places it firmly within a specific cultural and geographic context that sets it apart from most trafficking narratives.
What are similar films to We, the Dead?
If We, the Dead resonates with you, consider exploring Òlòtūré (2019), a Nigerian trafficking drama with similar raw urgency, Trafficked (2017), or Decision to Leave (2022) for another Southeast Asian perspective on love and moral ambiguity. Each film shares the emotional intensity and social conscience of Yeo's work.
More About We, the Dead
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