Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
