Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. 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, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
