Netflix's Unexpected Latest Zombie Flick Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Genre

Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. 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 focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning 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 forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable