Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
