Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
