Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
