Generally speaking, 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 exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
