Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
