Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
