Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
