Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
