Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and 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 very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close 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 for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
