The streaming giant's Surprising New Undead Film Injects Fresh Air into a Stale Genre

Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable