Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable