Netflix's Unexpected Latest Zombie Flick Injects New Life into a Tired Category

Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining