Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
