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 enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although 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 went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
