Netflix's Startling New Undead Film Injects New Life into a Overused Genre

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining