Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
