Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
