For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
