For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
