For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted 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 defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from 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 additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any 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, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
