Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people 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 pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
