Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
