For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
