For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness 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. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
