Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
