The streaming giant's Unexpected Latest Undead Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Tired Category

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, 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 also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately 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 clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable