Netflix's Surprising Latest Zombie Movie Breathes Fresh Air into a Tired Style

For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable