Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
