Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals 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 family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
