For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
