For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
