For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
