Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. 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 subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
