Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
