For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
