Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
