Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
