Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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 quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
