Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
