For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
