Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope 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's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
