For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
