Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
