“Outside” is a Netflix horror movie written and directed by Carlo Ledesma. It stars Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa, and James Blanco.
If you were born with an inherent fondness for apocalyptic zombie films, you’ve come to the right place. Unlike the isolated protagonists of these series and movies, you are certainly not alone; there is a legion of fans, and each year the film industry rewards their loyalty with a plethora of series, movies, animations, and books. “Outside” is yet another zombie film, this time hailing from the Philippines and brought to us by Netflix. As you may know, Netflix has made a significant investment in Philippine cinema, particularly excelling in the horror thriller genre with increasingly high-quality productions.
“Outside” is commendable in every aspect: it boasts impressive cinematography, well-developed characters, and a screenplay that skillfully leverages the strengths of its story to construct a compelling zombie thriller.
Plot Synopsis
A family travels to the ancestral home of the husband’s parents, only to discover their worst fears realized: the zombie epidemic, which is everywhere, has reached them as well. There is nowhere to hide, nowhere to escape; they can only wait for something to happen amidst the frustration, fear, and a disintegrating marriage.
About the Film
“Outside” stands out primarily for its solid screenplay and competent direction. However, it’s hard to avoid the sentiment of “yet another zombie movie,” as despite the commendable efforts of the filmmakers, this genre remains predictable in many ways. Nevertheless, this predictability seems to captivate audiences, and the productions continue to roll out with undeniable success, even garnering critical acclaim.
“Outside” does not feature visually striking treatments or memorable sequences that linger in the mind, but it is a good film that achieves its goals: telling an intimate story within an apocalyptic setting. In this sense, “Outside” innovates by presenting a marriage in crisis from which there is no escape. Divorce is not an option here, and the enforced coexistence adds a layer of tension. The film handles this aspect quite well.
Regarding the zombies, “Outside” does not offer spectacular effects or brutal action scenes, so it may not be among the favorites of hardcore genre enthusiasts. Despite its good cinematography and screenplay, it struggles to stand out in a genre crowded with titles and high-budget superproductions.
Our Opinion
While “Outside” is a well-made film with a strong screenplay and intelligent direction, it remains anchored within its genre and does not excel in terms of spectacle. However, it does shine when it comes to storytelling. This film represents another step forward for the Philippine film industry, which is gradually solidifying its reputation in the Asian cinematic world for its quality productions.
Where to Watch “Outside”
