Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even 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 subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
