For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. 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 brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
