Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, 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 beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—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 causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
