Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
