Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
