Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
