Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
