Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
