Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
