Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us 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 before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
