Netflix's Unexpected New Zombie Film Breathes New Life into a Overused Genre

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining