Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
