For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening 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 slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
