For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
