Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
