Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
