Outside is a successful and original horror film, with a very subversive vision of the classic "zombie"!
Outside is a new zombie horror film available on Netflix, directed by Carlo Ledesma. Set in the Philippines, the film lasts 2 hours and 22 minutes, a time that may seem excessive but that, thanks to well-constructed twists, manages to maintain the viewer's attention. The plot combines the classic theme of the zombie apocalypse with a strong psychological component, exploring the traumas and family conflicts that emerge in situations of extreme survival.
Outside is a directorial test passed with flying colors
The film follows the story of Francis (Sid Lucero), his wife Iris (Beauty Gonzalez) and their two sons, Josh and Lucas, who seek refuge in an isolated house to escape a zombie epidemic. This refuge, however, is not a place of peace: Francis’ childhood was marked by abuse and trauma experienced in that very house, and his growing mental instability is one of the central elements of the plot. Tensions between him and Iris intensify, while the external dangers represented by zombies loom ever closer.
One of the most original aspects of Outside is how zombies are represented: they can speak, repeating their last words before dying. This particular detail makes encounters with the creatures even more disturbing and surreal. Imagine seeing an old friend transformed into a zombie who incessantly repeats “I’m sorry” or “Passport, please.” The idea of repeating the last words gives the zombies a macabre and melancholic aura that enriches the emotional dimension of the film.
Although the story is set in the Philippines, Outside has a strong universal component. The family dynamics and past traumas explored in the film could easily adapt to any cultural context, making the film accessible to a global audience. Ledesma manages to create constant tension, alternating moments of pure terror with more thoughtful scenes, where the emotional and psychological conflicts of the characters emerge.
One of the key elements that make Outside more than a simple zombie film is its attention to psychological drama. Francis's mental deterioration, his internal struggles, and the flashbacks to his complicated past add an emotional dimension that goes beyond the simple physical horror of the zombies. This mix of horror and human drama makes the film deeper and more engaging than others in the genre.
Despite the quality of the narrative, the length of the film may be an obstacle for some viewers. Some sequences seem to stretch out too much, slowing down the pace and risking losing some tension. However, these moments are compensated by a crescendo of suspense that culminates in an emotional finale full of twists. Carlo Ledesma's direction proves solid in maintaining the viewer's attention and in creating an atmosphere of isolation that perfectly reflects the emotional state of the characters.
The performances of the actors are convincing, with Sid Lucero offering a powerful performance as a man struggling with his inner demons, while Beauty Gonzalez effectively conveys the anguish of a mother trying to protect her children at all costs. The young actors Marco Masa and Aiden Tyler Patdu, who play the two sons, add further authenticity to the family dynamic, making the bond between the characters believable.
Outside: assessment and conclusion
Outside is a film that deserves attention both for fans of the zombie genre and for those looking for a horror with more psychological depth. Ledesma manages to effectively combine apocalyptic horror with an intimate family drama, resulting in a film that, while not without its flaws, offers an engaging and innovative experience. If you are looking for a film that explores the deepest fears of the human soul, as well as the tangible threat of zombies, Outside is a choice that does not disappoint.