For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
