Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote 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 much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
