For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
