For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
