For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
