Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
