For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
