Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
