Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
