For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
