Typically, 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 seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the 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 worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
