For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
