For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
