Netflix's Surprising New Zombie Flick Injects New Life into a Overused Category

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable