Harrowing as a zombie drama and a psychological thriller, this Netflix Philippines original is also heartwarming, and sometimes, heartbreaking, as a family tale.
A dreadful sense of desperation seems always present in Carlo Ledesma-helmed zombie horror, Outside. From the first signs of disintegration of the Abel Family, which Francis (Sid Lucero) is supposed to keep together, to the onslaught of the ‘dead ones’, despair has filled up the old Abel ancenstral farm house, in which the family took refuge, hoping to escape the grim fate that befell the city.
But it isn’t safe haven they have found. Soon enough Iris (Beauty Gonzales) realizes the prison Francis has put them into, together with their sons, Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu), and Joshua (Marco Masa). No thanks to Francis’ traumatic past that mostly occured in that very same farmhouse, and to the rabid dog who bit him, Iris and her kids’ battle suddenly shifts from the ‘dead ones’ to Francis, whose departing sanity, becomes more appalingly evident, during the final acts of the film.
Outside thrives in breathtaking visual works. The film, in many parts, blends beautifully its ominous setting into the plot, making it a separate character on its own. Metaphors are sprinkled into the story, each tugging at the heart strings once you spot them.
Lastly, Outside culminates in multiple sacrifices from Iris and Francis, and their son, Joshua. The chop-chop scene, where Iris has to cut off his younger son’s arm to prevent the virus from spreading, is dreadful as it is harrowing to watch. Joshua, who seems to have mistaken Francis for a dead one, prove the fruit falls from the tree, when he chooses not to steal his dead father’s watch. Earlier in the film, we’ve seen Francis secure the very same watch from his deceased father, played by Joel Torre.
Watch Outside now on Netflix! Watch the official trailer below!
