Netflix Philippines’ debut zombie film, Outside, stays true to its promise by offering uniquely Filipino values and situations that resonate with local audiences. The film, directed by Carlo Ledesma, showcases themes that are deeply rooted in Filipino culture, making it a standout in the zombie genre.
At the advanced screening held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Ledesma emphasized how the film is quintessentially Filipino. “Ultimately, it’s truly a Filipino film,” he said, reflecting on the distinct elements that set Outside apart from other zombie films.
A Distinct Filipino Setting
One of the film’s unique aspects is its location. Ledesma chose to film Outside in his home province of Negros Occidental, utilizing authentic Filipino settings such as a traditional mansion and sprawling sugarcane fields. “You can’t shoot that anywhere else in the world,” Ledesma noted, highlighting the film’s strong connection to its cultural and geographical roots.
Depicting the Filipino Family and Generational Trauma
Another major theme in Outside is the portrayal of the Filipino family, but not in the idealized form often shown in media. Ledesma sought to reflect a more nuanced and imperfect reality, particularly focusing on the concept of generational trauma.
The film’s central character, Francis, portrayed by Sid Lucero, carries emotional scars from his past, which he unintentionally projects onto his family—wife Iris (Beauty Gonzalez) and sons Joshua (Marco Masa) and Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu). Ledesma explained that this portrayal mirrors the experiences of many Filipinos. “Generational trauma is something that doesn’t get talked about often, but it should be,” he said.
Ledesma also pointed out that many Filipinos know someone who has suffered from this kind of trauma, often passed down through patriarchal family structures. He hopes the film will encourage conversations about breaking cycles of abuse. “I want people to talk about their feelings and realize, ‘I don’t have to pass on the abuse I experienced to my child,'” Ledesma expressed.
A Different Take on Zombies
In Outside, the zombies aren’t the mindless creatures typical of the genre. Instead, Ledesma gives them depth by allowing them to speak and retain their humanity in small ways. He revealed that the last memory a person has before becoming a zombie is reflected in their final words. “I wanted to put a bit more backstory into the zombies. Their last words as humans are the last things they say as zombies,” he said.
By retaining elements of humanity, the zombies in Outside evoke empathy, with Ledesma ensuring they are more than just monsters. “I didn’t want them to be mindless creatures. I wanted everyone in the film to still have emotions and process what was happening to them.”
A Family Confronts Their Past Amid a Zombie Outbreak
Outside premiered on Netflix worldwide on October 17, following the story of Francis, Iris, and their children as they retreat to a secluded mansion to escape a zombie outbreak. However, the real horrors they face are not the undead but the unresolved issues from their past. This psychological thriller weaves together the external threat of zombies and the internal struggles of the family as they confront their emotional baggage.
Ledesma, known for his previous work on horror films Sunod and The Tunnel, as well as his contribution to the animated live-action film Saving Sally, brings a fresh and emotional perspective to the zombie genre with Outside, making it a thought-provoking addition to Netflix’s growing collection of Filipino films.
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