Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
