Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
