Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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 films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment 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 admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
