Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
