Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been 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 remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
