For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
