Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
