For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
