For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
