Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
