Carlo Ledesma’s Filipino zombie horror flick Outside explores family dynamics and psychological chaos. The movie examines the protagonists’ inner conflicts and paranoia while taking place during a zombie apocalypse.
Although it attempts to be more than just a standard zombie film, it finds it difficult to successfully blend the aspects of its genre, which leads to a mixed response from audiences. If you’re looking to watch something over the weekend, read our review to know more.
A Family’s Struggle Amid the Undead: Character-Driven Storytelling of Outside
Francis, a man who flees the city with his family amid a zombie apocalypse, is the main character of Outside. His childhood home serves as a haven for them, but the remote location doesn’t make his family’s problems go away. Because Josh is not his actual son, Francis finds it difficult to relate to him, and his traumatic past makes it difficult for him to handle the zombie danger.
Outside excels at probing its characters’ inner demons. Francis’ paranoia becomes a recurring motif as he struggles to distinguish between genuine threats and his own worries.
His suspicions about his wife’s infidelity cause him to isolate himself even deeper. Finally, his fear and mistrust compel him to make a terrible error, demonstrating his inability to discriminate between true threats and his own fears.
Outside is an intriguing psychological investigation of a man’s collapse, but it lacks the intensity usually associated with zombie films. The family drama overshadows the zombies, focusing on internal tensions rather than the undead danger. This may disappoint horror lovers who expected the zombie apocalypse to be key to the plot.
Outside offers a new take on the zombie genre. The film’s zombies can repeat their final words, which creates a frightening atmosphere. This provides emotional depth, particularly when characters come into undead versions of persons they know. This minor but significant feature distinguishes the film from other zombie movies.
The Haunting Power of Memories: Zombies with Emotional Depth
Outside suffers from pace concerns. The film’s runtime of two hours and 22 minutes is excessive, and the slow pace can make the story feel lethargic. While it allows for character development, it reduces the story’s urgency. This may appeal to fans of character studies, but it may disappoint viewers looking for a fast-paced zombie thriller.
Outside effectively captures the oppressive heat and isolation of rural Philippines, creating a visually haunting atmosphere that reflects the characters’ emotional issues. The setting reinforces the theme of entrapment, both literal and psychological.
Director Carlo Ledesma pulls inspiration from his personal experiences, which adds dimension to the film. His emphasis on psychological thriller aspects rather than classic horror reflects his desire to examine topics such as mistrust, family bonds, and mental breakdowns.
While this adds emotional depth, it may limit its appeal to horror enthusiasts who prefer a more basic approach.
Pacing and Tone
Outside is also unique. It introduces a fascinating concept but falls short in execution, focusing too heavily on family drama at the price of genre thrills. For audiences who love thought-provoking storytelling with subtle horror aspects, the film provides a new spin on the zombie genre.
Those looking for a more action-packed, apocalyptic survival thriller may be disappointed by the film’s plodding pace and emphasis on interpersonal chaos. Outside is a polarizing picture that presents an intriguing concept but falls short in execution.
While the movie delves into the human psyche under terrible conditions, its emphasis on family drama and plodding pace may disappoint viewers looking for a more action-packed zombie thriller. Despite its faults, Outside stands out for its unique take on the genre.
Conclusion
Outside offers a unique perspective on the zombie genre, focusing on psychological turmoil and family dynamics rather than traditional horror. Carlo Ledesma’s exploration of paranoia, mistrust, and emotional collapse sets it apart from typical zombie films, with moments of depth through haunting character encounters.
However, the film’s slow pace and emphasis on interpersonal drama may disappoint fans of action-packed thrillers. While it succeeds as a psychological study of a man’s breakdown, it struggles to fully integrate the zombie apocalypse into the narrative. Outside is a divisive film—thought-provoking for some, but lacking the tension others expect from the genre.