Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
