Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
