For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
