Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto 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 reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
