For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel 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 offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
