Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
