Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
