Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
