Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
