‘OUTSIDE’: The First Zombie Film from the Philippines, Presents Family Drama Amidst a Zombie Outbreak

OUTSIDE is the first zombie film produced in the Philippines, making it a pioneer in this genre in the country. Set in a small rural area with rice fields and sugarcane, this film adds a local element that is rarely found in the zombie genre.

This film focuses on the struggles of a family consisting of Francis (Sid Lucero), his wife Iris (Beauty Gonzales), and their two children, Josh (Marco Masa) and Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu). They flee to Francis's childhood farmhouse to escape a zombie outbreak that has struck the city.

Francis, the father, is portrayed as a troubled figure, while Iris is depicted as a stubborn mother. This family not only fights against zombies but also faces internal conflicts that further complicate their situation.

The climax of the film occurs when the sound of gunfire from Josh during practice with his father inadvertently awakens the zombies in the area surrounding their farmhouse. This sudden zombie attack triggers tension and a chilling fear among the family members.

This film presents stunning visuals, with beautiful and detailed cinematography. Although the storyline starts off quite slow, OUTSIDE is not your typical brutal zombie film filled with violent action. Instead, this film focuses on the internal conflicts experienced by family members, which over time reveal their past traumas.

Sid Lucero's performance as Francis has been praised for its complex and mysterious acting quality. Other actors like Beauty Gonzales, Marco Masa, and Aiden Tyler Patdu also successfully brought their characters to life with strong emotions, making this film full of intensity and tension.

Director Carlo Ledesma, known for films such as THE TUNNEL (2011) and SUNOD (2019), stated that OUTSIDE is his personal project. The film explores his deepest fears as a father and highlights family integrity in the face of a tremendous threat.

Most of the film's setting is taken from the province of Negros, Carlo Ledesma's hometown. This location was chosen not only for its natural beauty but also inspired by Ledesma's personal experiences growing up there and facing challenges during the pandemic.