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 enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, 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 he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
