Netflix's Surprising Latest Zombie Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Overused Category

Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable