The streaming giant's Surprising Latest Zombie Movie Injects New Life into a Overused Style

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining