For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
