Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
