Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
