Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost 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 who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they 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 caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
