Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
