Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines 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 time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
