Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
