For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
