For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
