Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, 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 quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
