Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
