For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
