Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
