Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 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 my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
