For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
