Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto 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 admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
