Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining