Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
