For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical 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 face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
