For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
