For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic 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 you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
