Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining