Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see 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 face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
