Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick 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 standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. 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 a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
