Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
