Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
