For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
