For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
