Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
