For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, 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 nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
