Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
