For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
