For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
