Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), 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 using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about 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 agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
