Outside (Netflix) Story :-
A family of four seeks refuge at the patriarch’s isolated farmhouse, hoping to regain a sense of normalcy amidst a devastating zombie outbreak. Yet, as external threats intensify, so do the tensions within the house. Francis begins to unravel, grappling with the psychological and emotional turmoil that threatens to tear the family apart.
Outside (Netflix) Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 17 October 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Horror |
| Duration | 2h 22min |
| Cast | Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa, Aiden Patdu, James Blanco, Enchong Dee, Joel Torre, Bing Pimentel |
| Director | Carlo Ledesma |
| Writer | Carlo Ledesma |
| Certificate | 18+ |
Outside (Netflix) Review :-
Describing Outside, the Philippines’ first zombie horror film on Netflix, simply as a zombie movie would be misleading. This tense, atmospheric drama engages in psychological mind games, making us more fearful of Sid Lucero’s character, Francis, than the mindless zombies lurking outside.
From the outset, it’s clear that all is not well between Francis and his wife, Iris. Their simmering marital issues put their sons, Josh and Lucas, on edge. Once they arrive at his remote ancestral farmhouse, the discomfort intensifies. The film masterfully creates a sense of unease; it’s not the zombies that terrify you, but the unsettling realization that Francis may be losing his grip on reality.
As Francis’s mental health deteriorates, we catch glimpses of the painful backstory that shaped him. Through sparse flashbacks, it becomes clear that he endured mistreatment from his father, making any challenge to his decisions trigger a return to his troubled childhood. These subtle moments reveal Francis’s vulnerability and his desperate desire to keep his family intact, making him a complex character—both brutal and sympathetic. The harsh reality of his surroundings denies him the chance for a normal, loving family, yet he relentlessly tries to hold them together, even if it causes pain.
His attempts to control his family create an emotionally charged viewing experience, weaving together the various dynamics of their relationships. One of the film’s strengths is its ability to remain chilling despite the zombie backdrop. It poignantly highlights the impact unstable and unhappy parental figures can have on children, underscoring the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. This theme resonates deeply, making us both fearful and empathetic. As Francis struggles with his unresolved trauma and feelings of being overshadowed by his brother, everyone—Iris and the children included—suffers, adding layers to the narrative that leave a lasting impression.
Outside (Netflix) Trailor :-
That said, I’m not entirely convinced the film needed to be set during a zombie apocalypse. While it certainly amplifies the fear and explains why the family can’t leave their home, I feel the story could have made a stronger impact without that backdrop. Additionally, at 142 minutes, the film feels overly long. Though it fills the runtime with engaging and harrowing situations, the pacing suffers, particularly in the slow buildup before chaos erupts.
Nonetheless, Netflix’s Outside features outstanding performances, especially from Sid Lucero, who captures Francis’s deteriorating mental health with chilling precision. You can’t help but feel a shiver whenever he’s on screen, particularly in the film’s second half. Young actors Marco Masa and Aiden Tyler Patdu are also impressive, bringing an innocence to the story that adds to the underlying tension. Lastly, Beauty Gonzales delivers a strong performance, hinting at deeper secrets beneath her surface. Although nothing is explicitly stated, her expressions and demeanor convey her character’s hidden struggles effectively.
Final Thought
In this zombie horror film, the true terror often comes not from the undead but from the complex traumas of human beings, who can be far more dangerous. Outside is both thought-provoking and entertaining, though its lengthy runtime does start to weigh on you. Still, it features several intriguing elements that stand out, especially for a film set during a zombie outbreak. Despite its duration, this one is definitely worth watching.
