Netflix's Surprising Latest Zombie Film Breathes New Life into a Stale Genre

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining