Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once 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 relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
