For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
