For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
