Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone 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 on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
