Ziam (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online & Why You Should (Or Shouldn’t) Bother
The Thai action-horror film Ziam (2025), directed by Kulp Kaljareuk, sets out with an explosive premise—an ex-Muay Thai fighter battling through a zombie-infested hospital to save his girlfriend in a world crumbling from environmental collapse. On paper, it promises a visceral punch of action, heart, and survival horror. In reality? It’s a swinging, bleeding mess—occasionally thrilling but mostly frustrating.
Ziam is visually striking, sporadically intense, and occasionally inventive. Yet its ambitions get choked by poor editing, shallow character development, and erratic storytelling. It’s a film that embodies the “style over substance” trap that many genre flicks fall into.
Plot Summary (Without Major Spoilers)
Set in a dystopian Thailand where global warming has accelerated the collapse of the ecosystem, Ziam introduces a world where glacial bacteria have mutated into a zombie virus. Amid this chaos, a former Muay Thai champion must navigate a decrepit hospital overrun by the undead to rescue his girlfriend.
But this isn’t your average outbreak narrative. The infection starts when mutated fish meat, consumed by unsuspecting citizens, begins turning them into flesh-hungry monsters. The setting—a claustrophobic, crumbling hospital—adds urgency and tension. At least, that’s the intent.
The protagonist fights zombies with his bare fists. He survives explosions. He walks out of crumbling buildings. Physics, logic, and consequence? Thrown out the window.
Aesthetics & Cinematography: Brutal Beauty with Poor Cuts
One thing Ziam gets (mostly) right is its aesthetic. From makeup to zombie transformations, the visuals hit hard. Gore hounds will appreciate the detail—infected wounds, grotesque mutations, and some well-designed creature work.
However, the action suffers from over-editing. Fight scenes are chopped to the point of incoherence, with dizzying camera movements and unnecessary slow-motion. It often feels like watching a Paul W. S. Anderson movie on fast-forward—minus the cohesion.
Some sequences feel like a dream gone wrong. The chaotic drone shots, jerky pans, and inconsistent lighting kill any atmosphere the director tries to build.
Character Development: Emotionally Hollow, Logically Implausible
The film’s biggest flaw lies in its lack of emotional depth. The central romance feels shallow. We know the main character wants to save his girlfriend, but we never really feel why. There’s little backstory, no emotional buildup, and absolutely no reason to root for him beyond sheer survival instinct.
The child character—who clearly exists to be a “moral compass”—feels forced and annoyingly out of place. His presence raises more logistical questions than narrative impact.
And let’s not forget the plot armor. The protagonist, Singh, seems immune to logic, gravity, and even explosions. He’s the cinematic equivalent of a video game character with unlimited health and infinite lives.
The World-Building: Wasted Potential
Ziam teases an intriguing backdrop—global warming, fish-borne infections, government isolation protocols, and a society on the brink. It’s a bold premise that could have led to meaningful commentary on environmental collapse and survival ethics.
Instead, the script drops these threads almost immediately after introducing them. The apocalyptic elements become mere window dressing for a series of disconnected fight sequences.
Even simple questions—How did he know the infection spreads through bites? Why does nobody use weapons?—are left unanswered. The world feels shallow, despite its potential depth.
Soundtrack & Audio: Mismatched & Distracting
Music can elevate a horror film or completely derail it. In Ziam’s case, it’s the latter. The score feels awkwardly matched, often undercutting suspense or over-dramatizing moments that didn’t need it.
Even worse is the audio leveling. Sudden volume spikes, inconsistent dialogue mixing, and overbearing sound effects make for a jarring viewing experience.
The Final Act: Surprisingly Redeemable?
Just when you’re ready to give up, Ziam throws a decent punch in its final 10 minutes. There’s a moment of cohesion—one well-shot action sequence, an emotional beat that almost lands, and a cliffhanger that hints at a sequel.
But is that enough? For most viewers, probably not. It’s too little, too late.
Where to Watch Ziam (2025) Online
Official Netflix title page: Ziam on Netflix
Should You Watch Ziam?
Watch It If:
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You love zombie gore and martial arts, regardless of plot coherence.
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You’re curious about Thai horror and want something visually intense.
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You want to support international horror cinema, even with flaws.
Skip It If:
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You value strong character development and logical storytelling.
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Overedited action scenes and weak dialogue bother you.
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You’re looking for meaningful world-building or emotional impact.
Final Verdict: Chaotic Carnage, Missed Opportunity
Ziam (2025) tries to offer a gritty, fast-paced zombie thriller with a Muay Thai twist—but it crumbles under the weight of poor direction, shallow writing, and incoherent editing. It’s a film with lots of promise and little payoff.
Still, for those who enjoy zombie chaos for chaos’ sake, and are willing to suspend their disbelief (and logic), Ziam might offer an entertaining 90 minutes. Everyone else? You might want to look elsewhere.
Have you seen Ziam? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—was it a hit or a complete miss for you?
