Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample 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 had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
