For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive 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), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
