Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
