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 were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of 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 any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
