Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
