For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
