Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
