Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents 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, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome 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 loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
