Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
