Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Netflix Philippines released its first "zombie" film, Outside, directed by Carlo Ledesma and written by Anton Santamaria. What appeared to be a thrilling new entry into the zombie genre turns out to be more of a dramatic family struggle with psychological undertones, with the actual undead playing a minor role. It’s a bold concept—one that could have used the family’s dysfunctional dynamics and the horror of zombies to make a powerful statement about trauma. However, while the film has potential, it ultimately leaves much to be desired in delivering a cohesive and impactful narrative.
An Unbalanced Focus
The most glaring shortfall of Outside is its imbalance between psychological drama and the zombie apocalypse that serves as its backdrop. While the family struggles are central to the plot, the movie could have been more engaging if the zombies were used as metaphors to highlight the traumas each character endures. Instead, the undead creatures remain in the background, a largely wasted opportunity to explore deeper psychological themes. Traumas and zombies are a natural pair, capable of amplifying each other, but here, the film leaves you wanting more from both aspects.
This lack of balance weakens the tension and intensity that are essential in both horror and trauma narratives. With the zombies lurking around but doing little to progress the plot or develop the characters, the film fails to fully realize the emotional and thematic potential that the genre mash-up could have delivered. It’s less of a zombie apocalypse and more of a family therapy session—with the occasional ghoul popping in for ambiance.
Unnecessary Length and Pacing Issues
Another issue with Outside is its running time. The film drags, especially in its middle act, where it often feels like scenes stretch longer than necessary without advancing the story. Viewers may find themselves asking, “When will this end?” The pacing issues diminish the potential emotional payoff, and the film could have been more impactful if it had trimmed some of its slower moments. An overly lengthy runtime for a movie that’s supposed to deal with tension and horror is a disservice, as the suspense should build, not wear thin.
Additionally, the anti-climactic nature of the third act leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied. Had the earlier acts been more concise and tension-filled, the conclusion could have packed more of an emotional punch, especially when dealing with trauma. Instead, the ending presents a resolution that some viewers may find unsympathetic or even harmful for those who have personal experience with trauma.
The “Lulu” Controversy
An unexpected scene involving Marco Masa's character, where he masturbates to a picture of his girlfriend on his phone, sparked considerable discussion online. While some argue it's reflective of reality, others question whether it was necessary for the narrative. It stands out not just because of its controversial nature, but because it doesn’t add much to the film’s broader themes. Was it needed? That’s up for debate, but it’s one of the moments that seemed to grab attention for the wrong reasons, pulling focus away from the more significant struggles the characters are facing.
Strong Performances Amid a Weak Narrative
Where Outside excels is in its ensemble cast, whose performances make the film watchable despite its flaws. Sid Lucero stands out as the father whose internal and external battles define the film’s title. Lucero’s commitment to his role is evident, as he gives a raw and palpable portrayal of a man on the verge of breakdown, both psychologically and emotionally. His acting is among the film’s strongest points, carrying much of the weight of the story.
Marco Masa also delivers a commendable performance, establishing himself as a promising dramatic actor. He brings an emotional depth to his character, despite the controversy surrounding one of his scenes. Meanwhile, Aiden Patdu, once known as a child star, steps into a more mature role with ease, marking a significant moment in his career.
Beauty Gonzalez, with her growing experience in horror films, proves she’s a versatile actress. Her vulnerability, paired with her natural beauty, works well within the horror genre, making her a rising star in Philippine cinema. Together, the cast creates a few emotional moments that stand out, thanks largely to their convincing performances and the help of well-crafted musical scoring.
Visually Striking, But Not Scary
Despite its issues with pacing and narrative, Outside is a visually polished film. The cinematography is glamorous, even when it should be terrifying. While the zombie makeup and effects are well done, their limited screen time prevents them from making a lasting impact. The film’s aesthetic is pleasing, but when it comes to horror, you need more than just visual beauty—you need suspense, terror, and a sense of dread that keeps you on edge. Unfortunately, Outside is more dramatic than thrilling, a choice that ultimately weakens the overall experience.
Final Verdict
Outside had the potential to be a unique and thought-provoking blend of psychological drama and zombie horror, but it falls short due to its unbalanced focus and underutilized zombie element. It’s more of a family drama than a true horror film, and while the concept is intriguing, the execution fails to live up to expectations.
For those looking for a gripping and traumatic horror experience, Outside may leave you underwhelmed. However, the film’s performances, especially by Sid Lucero, Marco Masa, and Beauty Gonzalez, offer a silver lining. The actors breathe life into an otherwise tepid narrative, making Outside worth watching if only for the cast’s commitment to their roles.
Outside may look good on the surface, but it lacks the depth and terror needed to make it a standout in the zombie genre. It’s a film that will make you think about trauma and family struggles but won’t leave you traumatized by the experience.
Released on Netflix PH on October 17, 2024.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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