Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
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 I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
