For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 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 subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic 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 of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
