Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
