Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
