For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
