Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
