Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
