Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
