For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
