For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent 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 focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
