Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
