Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
