For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
