Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment 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 admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
