For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
