Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful 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 the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
