For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet 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 turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
