For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
