Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
