Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves 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 becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
