Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
