Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
