For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
