Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming 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 company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
