Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
