For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
