Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
