Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
