Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and 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 physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining