Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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 cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
