Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
