For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
