The streaming giant's Unexpected New Zombie Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Genre

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable