Netflix's Startling New Undead Flick Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Genre

Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household 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 expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining