Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
