For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
