The streaming giant's Surprising Latest Zombie Movie Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Style

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable