For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
