For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married 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. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
