Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
