Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
