For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
