Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building 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 nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
