Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective 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 entertaining
