Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
