For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
