"Ziam" (2025): Thai Horror-Action Hits Netflix with Muay Thai Fury
Released on Netflix on July 9, 2025, the Thai film "Ziam" has quickly become a talking point among horror and action enthusiasts. Directed by Kulp Kaljareuk, this movie reimagines the zombie apocalypse with a unique martial arts twist, setting the stage in a post-apocalyptic Bangkok ravaged by climate change and food shortages.
The plot centers on Singh (played by Prin Suparat), a former underground Muay Thai fighter, who finds himself fighting through a zombie-infested hospital to rescue his girlfriend, Rin (Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich), a doctor trapped on an upper floor. The film is praised for its relentless action sequences, featuring Singh's impressive Muay Thai skills against hordes of fast, violent zombies. Critics have noted its unashamed embrace of zombie movie tropes, delivering the expected blood, gore, and guts with practical effects.
While some reviews highlight a relatively thin plot and underdeveloped thematic elements, "Ziam" largely succeeds in its core promise: a fun, action-packed zombie thriller. The unique premise of blending Muay Thai with the undead, a concept surprisingly unexplored until now, has resonated with viewers, quickly propelling "Ziam" into the top streaming movies worldwide.
The Enduring Legacy of "Ziam" (Zayn and Liam) in 2025
For millions of One Direction fans, the term "Ziam" has long signified the close, albeit sometimes tumultuous, bond between former bandmates Zayn Malik and Liam Payne. In 2025, this connection carries a particularly poignant weight following Liam Payne's tragic passing in October 2024.
Liam's death deeply affected the music world and, notably, brought the remaining members of One Direction – Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik – closer together. Reports indicated that the bandmates reconnected and reevaluated their relationships after years of distance, attending Liam's private funeral in November 2024.
In early 2025, speculation about a One Direction reunion, possibly including Zayn, surged. Zayn Malik himself fueled these rumors during his "Stairway to the Sky" tour, hinting at the possibility of performing One Direction songs. In January 2025, he was seen at one of his gigs discussing the idea, and in February, he shared an uncaptioned voice note of a new rendition of One Direction's "That's What Makes You Beautiful" on Instagram, leading fans to believe this was a direct nod to a reunion in Liam's honor. Louis Tomlinson was also spotted at one of Zayn's concerts, further igniting fan hope.
Furthermore, the 2025 Brit Awards, held in March, included a special tribute to Liam Payne. While an official on-stage reunion of all five members was not confirmed, discussions were reportedly underway to make the segment "unforgettable," with the possibility of Zayn joining Harry, Louis, and Niall for the first time since his departure in 2015.
While there has been no official confirmation of a full-fledged One Direction reunion in 2025, the year has seen a renewed connection among the surviving members and a significant outpouring of love and remembrance for Liam Payne. The concept of "Ziam" as the bond between Zayn and Liam, therefore, continues to resonate deeply with fans, now tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia and the enduring hope for their shared legacy.
