Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
