Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
