For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
