Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
