Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
