Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
