For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
