Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
