Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
