Netflix's Startling New Zombie Flick Injects New Life into a Stale Category

For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused 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 with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable