Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely 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 defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
