Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
