For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead 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 computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
