For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
