For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope 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's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
