Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
