Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
