Zombies may eat your brain but an abusive partner will rot your household!
Did you expect “Outside” to be a typical zombie movie featuring protagonists battling the undead, surviving an apocalypse, and finding a cure? You’re not alone! Many of us anticipated that based on its initial marketing. However, it turns out that the film is something entirely different.
Daddy Issues and Generational Trauma vs. Zombies
Upon reflection, the movie’s geniusness lies in its marketing as a “zombie flick,” when in fact, it’s a psychological thriller. Many viewers clicked on it expecting a traditional horror experience, only to find their expectations unmet.
“Outside” starts at a slow pace, like a slow-burn film, which is essential for developing the characters and showing the tensions within their families. Each character’s struggles are deeply intertwined with their pasts and current mental states, allowing viewers to feel the weight of their traumas. But, the directive approach did not please everyone, particularly those who prefer a more fast-paced action-packed film. Some even commented that they fell asleep at the first 12 minutes of the film. Then again, it is a psychological thriller, therefore, it’s meant to cause a viewer to think profoundly; except that the target audiences were rooting for a “Train to Busan” kind of feeling.
At its core, the film raises interesting questions about how our past shapes us. It invites viewers to think on the impact of generational trauma and the ways it can affect us in our lives today, such as resulting in a household run by a domestic abuser and a serial gaslighter. As the story progresses, it can be seen that the characters are slowly confronting their inner demons, which could be a do or die scenario when in an apocalyptic situation. And with regards to the zombies—well, they’re just there for a bit of jumpscare!
In conclusion, “Outside” is not your typical zombie film, but rather a thought-provoking story of personal and collective trauma. But, the question is, SHOULD YOU WATCH IT? Well, just keep an open mind and you’ll definitely enjoy the film, cinematography, and everything in it.
