Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
