Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted 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 is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
