Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
