Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
