Netflix's Startling Latest Zombie Flick Injects Fresh Air into a Stale Style

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

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 any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable