For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
