For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic 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. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
