Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab 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 Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
