For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
