Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly 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!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
