Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
