Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
