Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
