Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film 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 of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
