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Outside: A peek inside Netflix Philippines’ first local zombie film

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Netflix Philippines has made a huge step in its local content offerings with the release of Outside, its first-ever psychological horror film. The landmark project starred Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, and Marco Masa, directed by renowned Filipino-Australian filmmaker Carlo Ledesma.

The film debuted at a star-studded event at Grand Hyatt Manila. The exclusive screening and dialogue session was attended by a diverse crowd, including media representatives, film enthusiasts, and students.

Outside cast - Netflix PH
Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa, and director Carlo Ledesma.

At the heart of Outside is a family facing the horrors of a zombie outbreak. As they seek refuge in an abandoned farmhouse, they uncover a dark secret that proves to be a far greater threat than the undead.

The film’s director, Carlo Ledesma, shared that his inspiration for the story came from his personal experiences and anxieties as a parent during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a film about zombies but ultimately, it’s a film about an imperfect family [who] are really trying to do their best. No one here is perfect; no one here is a bad guy. No one here is an ‘evil character’,” he shared.

Despite its horror elements, Outside is ultimately a story about family and the complexities of human relationships. The cast members, including Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, and Marco Masa, praised the film’s emotional depth and the opportunity to work with a talented team of creatives.

Lucero said “The thing is, the movie’s so personal. However, everybody says it doesn’t matter anymore. Whatever your opinion about the film, that’s you. We spent our blood and tears into [making] it that it almost doesn’t matter what you guys think because we love what we did.”

“We’re just people trying to make a vision – our director’s vision – and we did it as honestly as we could,” the actor added. He also brought his mother on stage, actress Bing Pimentel, who appears in an important role in the film.

Outside cast - Netflix PH
The director and cast of Outside answer questions about their experiences in making the film.

For Gonzales, who grew up on a farm, getting into her character was not difficult. “It was close to my heart. (…) I read the script and realized I don’t really need to prepare but trust my director and his direction because the script is really beautifully written.”

Masa, who plays the family’s firstborn son Josh, tackled the lock-in taping from a different perspective, “One of the challenges is my school. I have to do my homework, and my performance tests away from school. And then, nalayo ako sa family ko. Na-homesick ako, but thankfully, sila ‘yung kasama ko. I am really comfortable with them.”

Outside’s cast and crew shot the film via lock-in taping in Negros for over a month. The film’s production involved meticulous attention to detail, with Ledesma insisting on practical effects for the “dead ones” to create a more realistic and immersive experience for the audience. The bridge scene, a pivotal moment in the film, was shot over three days to ensure its impact.

Outside is now available for streaming on Netflix globally.

Bubbles enjoys watching K-dramas and comedies in her spare time. She has a strong background in customer service and business operations having worked in the telecommunications and banking sectors. She has a degree in Business Management and a Master's Degree from DLSU.

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