Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel 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 doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
