The streaming giant's Unexpected Latest Zombie Flick Breathes Fresh Air into a Overused Style

Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable