Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
