Ziam (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Ziam (2025), a Thai-language horror-action film directed by Kulp Kaljareuk, arrives with a tantalizing premise: what if a former Muay Thai champion had to fight his way through a zombie-infested hospital to save the woman he loves?
Blending high-octane martial arts action with post-apocalyptic survival horror, Ziam aims to carve a unique niche in the oversaturated zombie genre. But does it succeed in breaking new ground—or does it fall into the same pitfalls as many of its predecessors?
Let’s break it down and explore where you can stream Ziam online today.
Plot Summary: A Personal Mission in a Collapsing World
Set in a near-future dystopia plagued by famine and social decay, Ziam introduces us to Singh (played by Prin Suparat), a retired Muay Thai fighter. When his girlfriend Rin (Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich) is trapped in a hospital during a violent outbreak of zombie-like infections—caused not by lab leaks, but by contaminated fish—Singh springs into action.
With no one else coming to the rescue, Singh relies on his combat prowess and sheer willpower to battle through swarms of the infected, taking on the undead with brutal elbows, knees, and spinning kicks in a race against time.
It’s a one-man war—and while the concept has flair, the execution doesn’t always deliver.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Ziam Online
Ziam is currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix. You can watch it directly at the official link here:
As of July 2025, it is available for viewers in the United States and globally in multiple languages with subtitles and dubbed options. Netflix Originals tend to remain available long-term, so subscribers can likely catch this title anytime in the near future.
What Works: Action, Cinematography, and Energy
Despite its flaws, Ziam has moments of genuine entertainment. Here’s what stands out:
1. Muay Thai Action Sequences
The film’s central gimmick—martial arts vs. zombies—is its most consistent strength. Singh’s fight scenes are sharply choreographed and brutal, especially in the early hospital corridors where every move feels desperate and survival-driven. This physicality provides a kinetic rhythm that zombie films often lack.
2. Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography
The production values, while modest, are effectively utilized. Cinematographer Kittithat Srisangma captures the decay and desperation of a post-apocalyptic world with gritty textures and strong lighting choices. The makeup and VFX for the zombies are surprisingly solid for a film with a limited budget.
3. Original Infection Concept
The infection’s origin—tainted food rather than mysterious viral outbreaks—adds a fresh, unsettling twist that diverges from the typical zombie lore. It hints at deeper political and ecological themes, though these are unfortunately never developed.
What Doesn’t Work: Pacing, Character Depth, and Plot Holes
While Ziam is energetic, it stumbles in critical storytelling areas:
1. Shallow Characters and Emotional Disconnect
The characters are flat and underdeveloped. Singh, while physically imposing, lacks emotional nuance. Supporting characters come and go without meaningful arcs, making it hard to feel invested in their fates. Rin, for instance, remains a mere damsel-in-distress figure.
This lack of emotional attachment is a huge missed opportunity in a genre that relies heavily on character empathy.
2. Inconsistent World-Building
The film opens with what appears to be a global collapse, but almost all events unfold within a single hospital. There’s no explanation for why the infection didn’t spread beyond, nor is there any real sense of broader societal collapse beyond some opening shots. The dystopian setup is barely utilized and feels more decorative than integral.
3. Plot Armor and Illogical Decisions
Singh’s invincibility becomes implausible quickly. He survives explosions, hordes of zombies, and direct combat with minimal consequence. In one sequence, he walks away from a car explosion that obliterates undead creatures around him—undermining any sense of realism.
Additionally, characters frequently make decisions that defy logic. For example, why doesn’t Singh board the helicopter during a clear escape moment? These choices frustrate more than thrill.
Personal Take: A Near-Miss with Untapped Potential
I often judge genre films not just by what they are—but what they could have been.
Ziam is full of ambition. It introduces a rare genre blend: Southeast Asian martial arts layered over zombie chaos. But ambition alone doesn’t make a good movie.
With better script pacing, character depth, and smarter editing, Ziam could have been Thailand’s answer to Train to Busan. Instead, it feels like a rough draft of something greater—stylish but hollow, fast-paced but forgettable.
Still, I appreciate its attempt to do something different. If there’s ever a sequel or spiritual successor, it deserves another chance—preferably with stronger writing and more narrative discipline.
Final Verdict: Watch or Skip?
Watch if:
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You love martial arts and zombie hybrids.
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You’re looking for a quick, visually engaging horror-action film.
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You’re a fan of Thai cinema and want to support regional horror projects.
Skip if:
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You expect deep characters or a coherent plot.
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You’re looking for emotional investment or suspense.
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You’re tired of zombie tropes with nothing new to say.
A visually stylish but narratively weak film that’s entertaining in moments but ultimately underwhelming.
Have you watched Ziam on Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments—did the Muay Thai vs. zombies concept work for you, or did the story leave you cold?
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