Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial 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 everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
