For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
