For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
