Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
