Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre 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, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
