Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
