Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
