For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
