Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding 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 which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
