Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
