For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead 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 prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
