Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: 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 engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
