Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
