For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
