For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
