Ziam

Ziam tries to present itself as a horror experience but falls short in delivering true scares. The cinematography feels bland, lacking creativity in framing and lighting, making even the few tense moments look flat. The horror elements are minimal, with most scenes failing to build genuine suspense or fear, leaning instead on loud sounds and predictable jumps.

The VFX are poor, pulling you out of the film rather than immersing you in its world, and the storyline feels cliché, with the same haunted house tropes and a predictable "twist" you see coming from miles away. While there are a few moments that attempt to add atmosphere, they aren't enough to elevate Ziam beyond average.

Overall, Ziam is a watchable but forgettable horror film that lacks the craft needed to stand out, best suited for a casual watch if you have nothing else to do.

Based on the initial marketing, I thought we would be getting The Raid meets Train to Busan, instead, we get a run of the mill zombie film set in a hospital. Think Rec, but not as scary. Ill give the film one piece of credit, the gore is decent and the female lead is the best of the bunch acting wise.

My expectations were set the moment the first fighting scene happened. Horrible editing cuts, no fluid movements, the main actor isn't a martial artist, or at least a great one, think Segal instead of a Tony Jaa.

The plot moves along quickly which makes a nice change, but the characters are forgettable, and the less said about the kid, the better. I swear they are in these films to make everything harder, and in turn, dumber. It's a semi decent zombie move and a mediocre action film (if you were expecting The Raid style set pieces).

"Ziam" delivers an interesting blend of zombie horror and Muay Thai action - a fresh take for the genre that's visually compelling, but ultimately let down by its undercooked story.

Set in a dystopian Bangkok plagued by a viral outbreak, the film follows Singh, a retired Muay Thai fighter who must battle hordes of the infected with nothing but his fists to save his girlfriend and a young child from a hospital under siege. The setting is the film's strongest asset: gritty, claustrophobic hospital corridors lit in harsh tones that amplify the tension. The action is intense and well-choreographed, relying heavily on practical effects rather than CGI, which gives the fights a brutal, visceral edge.

Mark Prin delivers a convincing performance as the determined fighter, and the physical demands of the role are clearly met. The zombie makeup is also commendable, enhancing the sense of danger in every close-quarter brawl.

However, where Ziam falters is in its narrative. The plot feels rushed and occasionally nonsensical. Characters make illogical decisions, emotional arcs are forced, and key moments lack the build-up needed to make them truly impactful. It asks for a lot of suspension of disbelief - and not in a good way. The backstory is thin, and while there are attempts at emotional depth, they often fall flat due to underdevelopment.

In short, Ziam is entertaining if you're in the mood for zombie mayhem and martial arts, but don't expect a story that holds up under scrutiny. A great concept with uneven execution.

What if we crossed soylent green, train to Busan, and Ong Bak...but made it trash?

That's Ziam. A forgettable zombie punch up with no bite. When a martial arts enforcer goes to save his girlfriend (ex?..it's really not well established) from a zombie infested hospital, you will fall asleep from the lame action.

Zero character development, terrible writing. Same pace through the whole movie and plot armor so bad that watching a guy casually kick zombies gets dull fast. There is gore. But it's just wet. Nothing impressive. CGI blood and fire make it look even worse. Not to mention the awful 3rd act mutations.

Bloody diarrhea from bad take out would be more entertaining and have a better story.

Ziam delivers what fans of action-horror crave: intense atmosphere, relentless pacing, and a gritty, claustrophobic setup that makes you feel trapped alongside the characters. The initial outbreak, the hospital setting, and the Muay Thai-infused zombie fights are genuinely exciting - you can tell the filmmakers put a lot of care into the production design and stunt choreography.

Where the movie stumbles a bit is in the storytelling. While the emotional thread of a man trying to protect the ones he loves adds weight, the plot feels very familiar - like a mashup of Train to Busan, The Raid, and 28 Days Later, but without adding much new to the genre. Many scenes feel like replays of moments we've seen before, just dressed in new (and bloodier) clothes.

That said, if you're in the mood for a fast-paced zombie flick with a Southeast Asian twist and brutal hand-to-hand action, Ziam is absolutely worth a watch. Just don't expect groundbreaking narrative choices - this one's more about style, mood, and mayhem than deep storytelling.