For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
