For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off 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 go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
