Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking 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 individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
