Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
