For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
