Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
