Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although 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. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by 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 look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
