Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also 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.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
