For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining