Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
