Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
