Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
