For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
