Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
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 offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
