Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
