Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
