Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains 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 reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic 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 appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
