Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
