Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
