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Outside on Netflix A Filipino Zombie Film with a Powerful Message

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Netflix is venturing into Filipino zombie territory with Outside, but don’t expect your typical brain-eating chaos. Director Carlo Ledesma and lead actor Sid Lucero are shifting the focus to raw, relatable human struggles. The zombie apocalypse serves as a dramatic backdrop, but the real story lies in the characters’ emotional battles.

The trailer for Outside might give you chills, but Ledesma and Lucero are downplaying the pressure to create a standard zombie film. In a recent interview, Lucero said, “The movie is so personal… how anyone takes it doesn’t matter because we loved what we did.” He even joked, “There’s no pressure. It’s an honest film, shame on you if you think otherwise. We’re untouchable, sorry.”

Ledesma shares this outlook, adding that he’s excited for viewers to form their own opinions. “What excites me is that soon people will see what we’ve created. My job as a director is done, and however people perceive it, I’m okay,” he said.

Though the film includes the undead, Outside goes deeper, exploring the complexities of the human condition. Set in Ledesma’s home province of Negros Occidental, the film highlights both the beauty of the Philippines and the resilience of its people. “[It’s] truly a Filipino film,” Ledesma noted.

Filipino Family Dynamics at the Heart

The story takes place in a traditional Filipino mansion, surrounded by sugarcane fields, offering a setting unique to the Philippines. More importantly, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of Filipino families. Lucero’s character, Francis, struggles with his past and finds it difficult to connect with his wife Iris (Beauty Gonzalez) and their sons Joshua (Marco Masa) and Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu).

Tackling Generational Trauma

One of the film’s key themes is generational trauma, a topic Ledesma believes should be discussed more often. “Generational trauma doesn’t get talked about enough, and I think it should,” he explained.

Outside aims to open up conversations about past abuse and the importance of breaking harmful cycles. Ledesma hopes the film inspires viewers to talk about their feelings and realize they don’t have to pass on the pain they’ve endured to their children.

Even the zombies in “Outside” defy expectations.  Unlike their mindless counterparts in traditional films, these undead creatures retain fragments of their humanity.  Ledesma explains, “There had been films where we see zombies talk, but I wanted to put more backstory into all the zombies…[their] last words [as humans] are the last words that they say [as zombies].”  This unique approach goes beyond showing the moment of transformation; it highlights the lingering humanity within these once-living beings.

“Outside” promises a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.  With its stunning visuals, relatable characters, and focus on Filipino identity, the film is poised to become a must-watch for local audiences.  So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be surprised as “Outside” premieres the true monsters can be the ones we carry within.  

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