Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been 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 and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
