For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
