Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
