Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
