Carlo Ledesma’s newest film "Outside" delivers a fresh take on the zombie genre, focusing less on the undead and more on the complex dynamics within a Filipino family. Instead of the usual mindless monsters, the zombies here are eerie in their own way—they repeat their final words before death, adding a layer of mystery and emotional weight.
Sid Lucero as Francis, a man descending into paranoia and madness, driven by unresolved tensions with his brother Diego and his wife Iris’ infidelity. His performance is nuanced, capturing the vulnerability of a man who seems kind-hearted but is slowly unraveling under the pressure of his fears and insecurities.
Matching his intensity is Beauty Gonzalez as Iris, the heart of the film. As a loving mother, Iris is caught in the middle of the family’s unraveling, but Gonzalez’s portrayal shows a fierce determination to protect her children no matter what. Her performance is grounded, bringing a lot of warmth and humanity to the story. You believe she’s a woman torn between guilt and survival, and when the family’s world begins to collapse, her protective instincts are what drive her forward.
The mansion, where most of the movie takes place, feels like a typical Filipino home—but as the film progresses, it transforms into something more suffocating, reflecting Francis’ growing instability. The production design subtly evolves with the story, you can feel the weight of the past in every corner, yet it still feels familiar and lived-in.
What really stands out are the practical effects. The gore is restrained but impactful, letting the tension and character drama take the spotlight. It’s a slow-burn horror that builds tension beautifully—you barely notice the 143-minute runtime fly by.
Catch this thrilling new addition to Filipino horror, now streaming on Netflix.
