Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
