Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
