Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
