For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
