The streaming giant's Surprising Latest Zombie Movie Breathes New Life into a Tired Category

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), 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, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable