Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married 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 who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves 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. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals 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 isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
