Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even 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, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
