For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment 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 reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
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 any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
