For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided 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 trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
