Netflix's Unexpected New Undead Movie Injects Fresh Air into a Overused Category

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable