Netflix's Unexpected Latest Undead Film Breathes New Life into a Overused Genre

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable