Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family 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 expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
