Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good 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 hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
