Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
