Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters 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, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
