Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone 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 relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
