Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose 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. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
