Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
