In Outside, Netflix Philippines’ first zombie movie reminds us that even during a zombie apocalypse, men are still the scariest thing out there.
Related: 5 Things To Know About Outside, Netflix Philippines’ First Zombie Movie
When faced with a potentially world-ending zombie apocalypse, your top priority is to keep your family safe and not burden them with your unaddressed childhood trauma, right? If that’s the case, it’s clear that the family at the center of Outside, Netflix Philippines’ first zombie movie, did not get the memo. During the onset of a zombie apocalypse, a family decides to seek shelter at the father’s family home in the province, only for the house to unleash an evil even more dangerous than the zombies outside.
On paper, Outside seems like an exciting entry into Filipino horror, combining the zombie genre with psychological horror that’s less chainsawing your way through zombie hordes and more dealing with family secrets. And while the result is a competent psychological drama, it also lacks in a few key areas. If you’re wondering whether to add Outside to your Halloween 2024 watchlist, we break down what we liked, and didn’t, about the movie.
THE ACTING WAS GOOD
The producers knew what they were doing by casting Sid Lucero and Beauty Gonzales as the lead roles because they delivered. Lucero’s turn as the unhinged family patriarch Francis is so good, it’s scary. He expertly navigates a character that is equal parts broken and a master gaslighter who uses aggression to have his way be the only way. It’s a commanding performance that’s as menacing as the zombies in this movie.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, finds the humanity in Iris, a mother who is seemingly stuck in sad mode. You can tell Iris is almost defeated in a situation she would rather not be in, and the actress plays that state of mind to a T. This family has their fair share of problems where anyone is seemingly on the verge of snapping. It’s a family dynamic and chemistry that shines throughout.
THE GORE GAVE
What’s a zombie movie without a little blood and guts? On that note, Outside knew what to do with commendable effects that give a visually striking take on zombies. It’s less gray skin and hollow eyes and more nasty skin protrusions. You’re going to get a good dose of blood and guts here.
And speaking of the zombies, it’s also interesting how in this movie, the zombies have a creative quirk in that they repeat one of the last words or phrases they said before they turned, adding a dash of twisted humanity to them. Oh, and no spoilers here but you’re not ready for the film’s ending and what happens to one of its characters. The filmmakers went there and we appreciate it.
IT PUTS FAMILY TRAUMA AT THE FOREFRONT
If there’s one thing about Filipinos, it’s the prevalence of unresolved childhood trauma from having strict or even uncaring parents. And in Outside, the movie puts that theme at the story’s heart. The film is very Pinoy in a sense that, instead of the main character trying to find a cure, it’s about a father trying to protect his family and the general sense of family checking up on each other during a crisis. But more than just about a family trying to survive a zombie outbreak, Outside focuses on how this desire to help family can be hobbled by childhood trauma and issues, which can lead to grave consequences when left unchecked.
This is most seen in the father as the combination of his dark history with his father and being in the house where it all happened made for his undoing. Filipino movies often depict family positively, so it’s nice to see a film tackle the other side of the coin and explore the pitfalls of disregarding one’s mental health.
IT’S TECHNICALLY SOUND
On a technical aspect, Outside is a good movie. Its cinematography is competent with a nice contrast between the vast fields and open skies of the province with the dreary interiors of the house. It’s shot nicely with a couple of scenes framed interestingly. The production design is also nothing to sneeze at, especially with how they captured the foreboding presence of the family house and turned it into a character in itself. More so than the zombies, it’s the setting where the horror comes from.
IT LEANS MORE DRAMA THAN HORROR
Outside sells itself as a psychological horror movie, but the result feels a little closer to drama than anything else. Yes, the movie has its dark and twisted elements, but most of the film is focused on the family drama. While everyone has their criteria if a movie is scary, Outside is no jumpscare fest. In fact, there are times when it felt like the zombies were almost an afterthought that took a backseat to the family drama. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but you should come into the movie with expectations checked of the kind of experience you’re looking for.
IT’S A BIT TOO LONG
Clocking in at a runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes, Outside is not for people looking for a quick watch. But it would have benefited the movie if it was leaner, especially during its more repetitive parts in the middle. It started and ended decent, but a more compact plot would have been appreciated. And for a movie this long, it’s surprising that there are a few storylines and sub-plots that go unanswered or are left hanging.
THE PLOT COULD HAVE HAD MORE POTENTIAL
Gripping potential is a good way to describe what Outside had going for itself. It has pieces, such as the premise and a couple of interesting backstories, to make for a movie that will have you thinking after the credits roll. But the problem lies in its execution with a story that feels almost predictable. From the secrets of Francis’ family and home to hints that the zombie outbreak may not be what it seems, the movie raised some interesting questions that saw an underwhelming follow-through. It’s not bad, but it could have gone there like it tried to do at the end to give something wholly special.
Overall, Outside is a good movie that hits the mark in the acting and production departments. Filipino horror continues to grow and we love to see it. However, an “okay” story that doesn’t tap its full potential has us leaving wanting just a bit more.
Outside is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Photos courtesy of Netflix
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