For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
