Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
