Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
