For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
