Typically, 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 exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning 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 everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
