Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
