For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close 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 for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
