Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment 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 admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
