For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before 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 gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
