Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
