For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they 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 they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
