Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
