For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
