Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
