For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
