Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
