For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real 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 that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming 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! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
