For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
