For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining