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 seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out 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. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable