Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
