For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
