The streaming giant's Surprising New Undead Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Overused Style

Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable