For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
