Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
