Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
