Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
