Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
