For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
