For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
