For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
