Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
