Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about 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 natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal 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 doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
