For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
