Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
