Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
