Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. 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 truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
