For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even 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 subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting 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 don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
