Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
