Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source 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, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
