Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
