Netflix's Startling Latest Zombie Movie Injects New Life into a Overused Style

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades 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 comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining