Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
