For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
