Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
