Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
