For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
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 prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—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 familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
