For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
