Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining