Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché 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 clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
