Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable 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 some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
