Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, 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! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
