Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
