Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic 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 do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
