For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem 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 presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
