Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted 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 subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
