For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
