Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only 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 when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
