Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
