Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
