Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
