Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
