For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still 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 location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
