Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, 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 Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
