Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed 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 supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
