Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree 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 that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
