For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. 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 what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
