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 mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
