Typically, 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, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
