For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
