Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows 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, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
