Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
