Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
