Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
