Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
