Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
