For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems 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 household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
