Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
