For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
