For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
