Outside (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
When we think of zombie apocalypse films, our minds often conjure images of fast-paced, gory action with characters battling hordes of the undead. However, Outside (2024) takes a distinct approach, weaving an intense psychological drama into its narrative. Directed and written by Carlo Ledesma, this Filipino film, now available on Netflix, offers a refreshing yet unsettling twist on the traditional zombie genre. In this review, we’ll delve into what makes Outside unique and where you can stream it online.
Plot Overview
Outside begins on a deceptively peaceful note with a wedding video of Francis (Sid Lucero) and Iris (Beauty Gonzalez), a couple whose lives, along with their two children, have drastically changed since the zombie outbreak ravaged the world. Their journey to survival brings them back to Francis’s childhood farmhouse in the Philippine countryside—a desolate sanctuary where more than just zombies haunt the family.
Unlike conventional zombie films, where the primary threat comes from the undead, Outside shifts focus to the internal struggles of its protagonists. Francis’s mental deterioration, stemming from a traumatic past and deep-seated family secrets, creates an eerie, slow-burning atmosphere of dread. As the family tries to fortify themselves against “The Dead Ones” outside, they’re faced with the emotional scars that threaten to tear them apart from within.
A Psychological Horror Rooted in Family Drama
One of the central themes explored in Outside is the cyclical nature of trauma. Francis returns to the place of his abuse, only to face his father’s suicide and the haunting reminder of a troubled past. His insistence on staying at the farmhouse—despite his wife Iris’s protests—exposes the toxic dynamics in their marriage, which are only worsened by the apocalyptic world outside.
The zombies, though menacing, take a backseat to the familial tension that drives the narrative. Ledesma smartly uses the undead as a metaphor for unresolved trauma and psychological breakdown. While the film does feature some gruesome action, such as Francis shooting his zombified mother in the face, the real horror lies in the family’s unraveling mental state. This makes Outside more akin to The Shining than to 28 Days Later, focusing on the psychological decay of the characters rather than relentless zombie carnage.
Performances That Elevate the Narrative
The performances in Outside are what truly make the film shine. Sid Lucero’s portrayal of Francis is raw and deeply unsettling. His character’s descent into madness is gradual but palpable, with Lucero capturing both the vulnerability and anger of a man torn between protecting his family and reliving his darkest memories.
Beauty Gonzalez, as Iris, provides a nuanced performance of a woman stuck in a failing marriage while navigating the apocalypse. Her despair is more than just about surviving zombies—it’s about surviving the emotional scars her husband carries. Marco Masa and Aiden Tyler Patdu, who play the couple’s sons Josh and Lucas, also bring a sense of innocence and fear that heightens the tension, especially as they begin to understand the true horrors of their father’s past.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Visually, Outside stands out as a feast for the eyes, thanks to cinematographer Shin-Fung Cheung. The Philippine countryside is captured in all its eerie beauty, with wide drone shots showing the isolation of the farmhouse amidst the landscape ravaged by zombies. The atmosphere of doom is ever-present, whether it’s through the dingy interiors of the house or the haunting flashbacks that slowly reveal the trauma Francis faced.
One of the film’s most notable scenes is an intense sequence where Francis fights off a group of zombies on a narrow bridge in a single long take. This scene not only highlights Ledesma’s ability to build tension but also offers a rare moment of adrenaline-pumping action in an otherwise slow-burn horror.
A Fresh Take on Zombie Films
Outside is not your typical zombie movie. It prioritizes psychological horror over physical action, much like other genre-defying films such as The Babadook or Hereditary. For viewers seeking a unique spin on the undead genre, this film offers a refreshing, albeit heavy, take on the human psyche in times of extreme distress.
The film may not cater to fans looking for constant zombie slashing and over-the-top action. Instead, it is an exploration of trauma, family dysfunction, and the darker corners of the mind, which proves to be just as terrifying as any horde of zombies.
Where to Watch Outside (2024) Online
For those interested in experiencing this psychological horror firsthand, Outside is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix. While Netflix is the primary streaming platform for this Filipino film, viewers in America can also check if the film is available for rent or purchase on other services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. However, at the moment, Netflix remains the sole streaming service offering Outside as part of its subscription package.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Outside (2024) is a daring film that challenges traditional zombie tropes by merging psychological horror with apocalyptic themes. If you’re in the mood for a horror film that goes beyond the surface-level scares, this Netflix offering will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
Watch Outside on Netflix today and dive into a haunting world where the real monsters might be the people we love.
