We Work for the Dead

Magnus picks up extra shifts driving for the Night Mail, an offbeat courier service that handles deliveries tied to the dead. It starts as easy cash and weird anecdotes, but the work brings an unsettling occupational hazard: drivers can become possessed while on the road. Magnus notices odd protocols, cryptic clients and parcels that seem to carry more than objects, and those small puzzles pile up into something that feels bigger than a side hustle. The movie follows his routine runs and gradual discovery of the Night Mail's inner rules, mixing dark moments with wry touches while keeping its larger revelations under wraps.

Directed by Joanne Reay and Andrew Goth, the 2024 film features a notable British voice cast, including Jennifer Saunders as The Mother, Stephen Fry as Pruitt and Matt Lucas as Perry, alongside Assad Zaman and Lucas Jones.

The film's mash of deadpan British humor and supernatural elements prompted discussion among genre fans, especially about its tone and character voicings. Its premise, oddball worldbuilding and recognizable voices made it a frequent topic on social feeds and niche film forums after release.

Critical response was mixed, reflected in a modest 5.0/10 vote average. Reviewers praised the concept and performances while pointing out uneven pacing and a script that doesn't fully resolve every thread. Thematically, the movie looks at labor, the emotional weight of serving others after death, and the thin line between duty and loss, often trading big scares for sly, unsettling beats.

The film saw a limited theatrical window in 2024, with wider distribution details and full box office totals not widely reported. Availability leaned toward specialty screenings and digital platforms rather than a broad studio rollout.