Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better 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 are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
