Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
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—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
