Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other 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 offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
