Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved 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!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
