For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
