For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to 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 spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
