Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of 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 movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
