For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift 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, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
