Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. 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 building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
