For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet 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 defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
