Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
