Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building 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 idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
