Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
