Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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 entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
