For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
