For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
