Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
