Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
