Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
