Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic 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 becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
