For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
