Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful 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 whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
