Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows 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 best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
