For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
