Netflix's Unexpected New Undead Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Category

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining