Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
