For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various 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 into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
