For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
