Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
