Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
