Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
