For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
