Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
