Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
