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 largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off 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 once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
