Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
