For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
