Ziam is a gripping Thai action-horror film that premiered on Netflix on July 9, 2025. Directed by Kulp Kaljareuk and produced by Kantana Motion Pictures, this 96-minute thriller stars Mark Prin Suparat as Singh, a retired Muay Thai fighter forced back into brutal combat when a mysterious zombie outbreak erupts in a remote hospital. With a focus on practical effects over digital trickery, and intense fight choreography over jump scares, Ziam blends traditional martial arts with zombie survival drama. It delivers a fresh take for fans of both action and horror genres, while proudly showcasing Thai storytelling to a global audience.

Plot Summary

Singh has left the ring and now lives a quiet life with his girlfriend Rin, a nurse working at a regional hospital in the mountainous region of Chiang Dao. Their peace is short-lived when a strange virus begins to spread within the hospital, turning patients and staff into violent, zombie-like creatures. Singh arrives just as the outbreak worsens, and he finds himself trapped inside the crumbling building with Rin and a terrified young boy named Buddy.

Armed with only his fists, elbows, and knees, Singh must use his Muay Thai expertise to navigate the narrow halls, fight off the infected, and protect those he loves. Along the way, he uncovers hints of a larger conspiracy and must face both inner demons and physical threats as he struggles to get everyone out alive. The film builds its tension through claustrophobic settings, bone-crunching fight scenes, and a slow-burn emotional core that makes the violence feel personal.

What Works

The biggest strength of Ziam lies in its use of real stunts and close-combat fight sequences. The action is raw and physical, with actors performing intense choreography that grounds the film in realism. Each fight feels desperate and dirty, adding to the survival feel of the narrative.

Emotionally, the story hits a few solid notes. Singh’s drive to protect Rin and Buddy adds urgency to the action. His relationship with Rin is believable and provides the film with human depth beyond the blood and bruises. The setting of the hospital adds to the fear, with flickering lights, echoing hallways, and a growing sense of entrapment.

Culturally, Ziam proudly embraces its Thai roots. From the dialogue to the traditions seen in flashbacks, the film reflects Southeast Asian culture without watering it down for international audiences. It avoids flashy CGI and instead trusts traditional techniques, which makes it stand out among modern horror releases.

What Falls Flat

While Ziam has strong visual and emotional moments, its biggest weakness is the predictable story arc. Many of the plot beats are familiar to fans of the zombie genre. There is an outbreak, a scramble for survival, a few emotional deaths, and a last-minute twist. It works, but it does not surprise.

Some editing choices may also take viewers out of the experience. There is an overuse of slow-motion sequences that interrupt the otherwise intense pacing. A few scenes drag longer than they should, especially in the second act, which could make the film feel stretched despite its short runtime.

The villain element is also underdeveloped. While the zombies serve as the main threat, the film hints at deeper causes but fails to explore them in any meaningful way. Viewers expecting a layered mystery or social commentary may leave disappointed.

Audience and Critical Response

Ziam has received mixed but generally positive feedback from critics and viewers. Critics praised the commitment to practical action, the cultural grounding, and the raw performance by lead actor Mark Prin. However, many also noted the film’s formulaic story structure and lack of innovation in its core narrative.

On IMDb, users gave the film ratings ranging between 5 and 7 out of 10. They appreciated the action and atmosphere but pointed out pacing issues and repetitive visual effects. Some called it a solid Friday-night watch, while others wished it had taken more risks.

Overall, the film is being seen as a respectable entry into the zombie genre that manages to feel fresh thanks to its unique cultural angle, even if the story plays it safe.

Final Verdict

Ziam delivers a tight, punch-heavy survival experience that leans into the strengths of its setting, characters, and martial arts roots. While it may not rewrite the rules of zombie horror, it does offer a heartfelt and engaging ride for fans of high-intensity cinema. The emotional weight of the lead character’s journey adds substance to the action, making it more than just a fight film.

This is a story about survival, love, and personal redemption set against a backdrop of chaos and bloodshed. If you enjoy raw, grounded action combined with emotional storytelling, Ziam is definitely worth your time.

Who Should Watch

  • Fans of martial arts films looking for a horror twist

  • Viewers interested in Southeast Asian cinema and storytelling

  • Horror lovers who enjoy practical effects and emotional character arcs

Who Might Skip

  • Those seeking highly original zombie narratives

  • Viewers who dislike slow-motion-heavy action scenes

  • Anyone expecting a deep or complex plot beyond survival tropes

Rating Summary

Action and Choreography: 4 out of 5
Practical Effects: 4 out of 5
Emotional Impact: 3 out of 5
Plot Originality: 2 out of 5
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

Ziam is a well-made, emotionally anchored action-horror film that offers thrills, heart, and cultural authenticity, even if it does not completely escape genre conventions.