The streaming giant's Startling New Zombie Film Injects New Life into a Stale Genre

For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining