Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
