Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives 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 via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
