Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
