For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
