Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive 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 avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
