Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
