For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
