Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much 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 presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable