Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
