Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
