Netflix's Startling Latest Undead Film Breathes New Life into a Tired Genre

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining