Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
