Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
