For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
