Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
