Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
